pending legislation

Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA-15) introduced H.R. 1796 (Reuniting Families Act) on May 6, 2011. If enacted, it will reclassify spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents as immediate relatives, thus eliminating the numerical limits that they are currently subject to.

Section 102(a)(2)(A)(i): IMMEDIATE RELATIVE DEFINED- In this subparagraph, the term `immediate relative' means a child, spouse, or parent of a citizen of the United States or a child or spouse of a lawful permanent resident (and for each family member of a citizen or lawful permanent resident under this subparagraph, such individual's spouse or child who is accompanying or following to join the individual), except that, in the case of parents, such citizens shall be at least 21 years of age.