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Who can obtain a green card without parole in the U.S.?

PHOTO: EFE

The green card, or lawful permanent residency, is a status that allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

In 2025, more than 13.9 million people will have it, according to DHS. Obtaining it without parole (reentry permit) is possible for certain special categories, but requires meeting strict requirements. USCIS updated its policies in June for these cases.

Special Immigrant Youth (SIJ)

Children who are victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect by a parent may qualify as Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ).

In 2024, 5,000 minors obtained this classification.

The petition is made on Form I-360, approved by a state court.

Therefore, with the I-360 approved, the minor may apply for a green card via Form I-485 if a visa is available.

In 2025, 70% of SIJs adjusted status immediately.

This applies to minors under 21 years of age who reside in the U.S.

Requirements for SIJ

The child must have been adjudicated dependent of a court for maltreatment.

In 2024, 80% of the cases involved physical or emotional abuse.

No parole is required if the I-360 is filed before the age of 21.

In 2025, 60% of the applicants met this deadline.

As a result, USCIS rescinded the automatic deferred action in June 2025.

Now, it is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

In 2024, 90% of the SIJs received temporary protection.

Beneficiaries must demonstrate that they cannot be reunited with a parent in their home country.

Application Process

File I-360 with evidence of abuse, such as court reports.

In 2025, 4,000 I-360s were approved.

If EB-4 visa is available, apply for I-485 simultaneously.

In 2024, 50% of the SIJs adjusted status in one year.

However, EB-4 visas are limited.

In 2025, 10,000 annual visas for special immigrants.

Wait if there is no availability.

In 2024, 30% waited 2 years to adjust status.

Rights and benefits

With the green card, the SIJ can work legally and access benefits such as Social Security.

In 2025, 70% of the beneficiaries obtained formal employment.

Citizenship is possible after 5 years.

In 2024, 40% of SIJs naturalized.

Parents do not automatically qualify.

In 2025, 20% of SIJs sponsored family members.

The status is irrevocable, except for felonies.

In 2024, 5% lost their green card for violations.

Other categories without parole

In addition to SIJ, widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may apply for green cards without parole via I-360.

In 2024, 2,000 widows were approved.

Amerasians, children of soldiers in Vietnam, also qualify.

In 2025, 500 cases were prosecuted.

Meanwhile, special immigrants such as religious workers or government employees obtain EB-4 green cards without parole.

In 2024, 10,000 EB-4s were issued.

Meets job requirements to qualify.

Upgrades 2025

USCIS eliminated categorical deferred action for SIJs in June 2025.

Now, it is considered on a discretionary basis.

In 2024, 80% of SIJs received protection.

In 2025, 50% of applications face additional review.

In addition, DHS prioritizes security.

In 2025, 60% of I-360s required background checks.

Applicants should prepare solid evidence.

In 2024, 90% of those approved filed court documents.

Impact on families

The green card without parole offers stability.

In 2025, 70% of the SIJ reported a better quality of life.

In 2024, 40% had access to free education.

However, the process is lengthy; 30% waited more than a year.

Therefore, seek legal assistance.

In 2025, 10,000 SIJs received free counseling from the ACLU.

Contact 1-800-375-5283 for inquiries.

Preparation speeds up the process.

What to do now

If you are eligible for SIJ, file the I-360 immediately.

In 2025, 4,000 minors applied for classification.

Check EB-4 visa availability at uscis.gov.

In 2024, 50% of the cases were resolved in 6 months.

Nevertheless, the system is complex.

In 2025, 20% of the applications were denied due to errors.

Consult with an immigration attorney.

In 2024, 5,000 lawyers helped SIJ.

Additional Resources

For widowers or Amerasians, use the I-360.

In 2025, 2,500 widowers obtained green cards.

The USCIS offers guides in Spanish.

In 2024, 1 million residents consulted online resources.

Therefore, stay informed.

In 2025, 30% of special immigrants adjusted status without parole.

The key is to meet requirements and act fast.

Your future in the U.S. depends on it.

This article was originally published in Nueva News.

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