Petition to Classify Alien as Immediate Relative of a United States Citizen or as a Preference Immigrant; Self-Petitioning for Certain Battered or Abused Spouses and Children

Resumen

This interim rule amends the Immigration and Naturalization Service (``the Service'') regulations to allow a spouse or child to seek immigrant classification if he or she has been battered by, or subjected to extreme cruelty committed by, the citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent. It also permits a spouse to seek classification if his or her child has been battered by, or subjected to extreme cruelty committed by, the citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse. A qualified spouse or child who is living in the United States but is not a permanent resident may use the procedures established by this rule to self-petition for immigrant classification. The self-petition may be filed without the abuser's knowledge or consent, and may include the children of a self-petitioning spouse. A person who is granted immigrant classification under this provision may become eligible for lawful permanent resident status. A lawful permanent resident of the United States has legal permission to live and work in this country, and may later qualify for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.