Major Immigration Update: USCIS Reverses Biden’s Child Status Protection Act; What It Means for Families

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a significant policy shift affecting the children of H-1B visa holders transitioning to green card status. This change could result in many applicants aging out before they qualify for permanent residency. The policy adjustment, effective from August 15, aligns with the State Department's approach for consular processing.

Previously, the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), introduced by the Biden administration in February 2023, allowed children to lock in their age based on the State Department's Dates for Filing chart. This measure was designed to prevent applicants from aging out before becoming eligible for a green card. However, this expansion has now been rescinded by the Trump administration.

Impact on Families and Applicants

The USCIS will now solely use the Final Action Dates chart to determine CSPA age for those applying for green cards within the U.S., mirroring the method used for applicants abroad. This change raises concerns about family separation, as children who receive their green cards after their parents might need to explore other visa categories if they age out.

For those affected by this policy change, staying informed and consulting with immigration experts is crucial. Exploring alternative visa options and considering temporary relief measures are recommended strategies. Applications submitted before August 15 will still be processed under the previous guidelines.

Guidance and Future Considerations

In certain extraordinary circumstances, USCIS may evaluate some applicants under prior guidelines. It's essential for families facing these challenges to remain proactive and seek professional advice to navigate their immigration journey effectively.

The official USCIS website explains that "the core purpose of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is to address the hardships faced by certain aliens who were previously classified as children for immigrant visa purposes but who, due to the time required to adjudicate petitions, had turned 21 years old and consequently became ineligible to receive such immigrant visas."

This recent policy shift underscores the importance of understanding evolving immigration regulations and their potential impact on families seeking permanent residency in the United States.