Immigration changes affect military families

Florida is home to many people who serve in the armed forces, some of whom might be pleased by the recent directive issued by the Obama Administration that will allow some service members’ relatives who live in the country illegally to stay. The new immigration rule clarifies when and how the already existing authority can be used. This was the latest in a number of changes to immigration policy made by President Obama since he took office in 2009.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials will now be given the power to execute what is called a parole in place for unlawful immigrant children, parents and spouses of active service members, veterans and reservists. Those family members will now be allowed to apply to live legally in the country. One veteran who is also an immigration attorney said that the move was very significant and would ease the strain on many military members and their families.

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have been critical of the immigration rule changes put forth by the President and are opposed to proposed reform legislation that passed the Senate earlier this year. House Speaker John Boehner said that the House would not host any formal talks that could forge a compromise on changes to the law, and many in the GOP-controlled chamber have opposed giving illegal immigrants the chance to travel to and remain in the United States.

Family immigration issues are often at the forefront in Florida. An attorney with experience in immigration law may be able to assist individuals and their families navigate the procedures involved with green cards, marriage-based visas and other related issues.

Source: FOX News Latino, “Military Families Impacted By U.S. Immigration Changes”, November 16, 2013