Immigration in Arizona and the U.S. is often a controversial issue. With each administration, immigration policy changes and it can be hard to keep up. There are many families in the U.S. who have minor children in another country. A recently announced immigration policy change will allow some minor children to enter the country legally.
CAM background
Recently the Biden administration announced an expansion in the Central American Minors Refugee/Parole Program (CAM) in an effort to resolve the border crisis. The Obama administration originally created the program, but it was terminated by the Trump administration. The Biden administration restarted the program and recently announced an expansion.
CAM eligibility
Originally CAM eligibility allowed immigrants from certain Central America countries to petition to bring their children to the U.S. legally. The countries include Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. In an effort to cut down on the number of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S. border, Biden has expanded the program to include legal guardians of minors and a greater number of immigration status individuals. Now legal guardians and parents of minor children with the following immigration status are eligible to petition for minor children to enter the U.S.:
- Lawful permanent residence
- Temporary protected status
- Parole
- Deferred action
- Deferred enforced departure
- Withholding of removal
- Pending asylum application
- Pending U visa filed before May 15, 2021.
A legal professional who is skilled in family immigration understands that U.S. immigration policy is confusing and constantly changing. They can help families obtain the necessary visas and immigration status to keep their family together and create a new life in the U.S.
