For the relief of Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1445 would allow Melnyk and Gnatyuk to apply for permanent residency, which would typically require a lengthy process. The bill's provisions indicate that they will be considered as having entered and remained in the U.S. lawfully if they submit their applications within two years following the enactment of the bill. This adjustment of status provision aims to provide a more straightforward path to residency for the individuals named in the bill.
Summary
House Bill 1445 aims to provide permanent resident status for Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk, acknowledging their specific circumstances under U.S. immigration law. The bill allows these individuals to be eligible for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status, facilitating their legal residency in the U.S. This bill highlights the legislative process of addressing individual cases of need, emphasizing the importance of legislative relief in immigration matters.
Contention
A notable aspect of HB 1445 is the limitation placed on relatives of the beneficiaries. The bill explicitly denies any preferential immigration treatment to the natural parents, siblings, and relatives of Ruslana Melnyk and Mykhaylo Gnatyuk, restricting their potential immigration benefits by virtue of their relation. This provision may attract attention and debate regarding family reunification policies in U.S. immigration law, reflecting the ongoing complexities surrounding immigration issues.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that employment authorization is only available to aliens who are lawfully present in the United States, and for other purposes.
To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual numerical limitation on visas for certain immigrants, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant work authorization to certain immigrants with a pending application for nonimmigrant status under such Act, and for other purposes.