Under the two-year-old Dallas Office Rapid
Adjustment (DORA) program, applicants undergo
on-the-spot interviews when they submit their visa
petition and application for adjustment of status at
the same time. Many of those who attend their DORA
appointment, however, learn that they are not
eligible to participate in the program. In order to
participate in the DORA program, you must meet one
or more of the following criteria:
1. The petition must be for a family member who has
a visa immediately available to them (a spouse,
parent or child of a United States Citizen),
2. The applicant was a Diversity Lottery winner, or
3. The applicant is a special immigrant with an
approved I-360 Visa Petition.
There are many rumors and misconceptions about this
pilot program among immigrants. Please understand
that this is not an amnesty, nor is it President
Bush’s new proposal to grant work permits to illegal
aliens. This is simply another option available to
immigrants who would be otherwise eligible for
adjustment of status.
Also, it is very important to make sure that you are
eligible for adjustment of status when you use the
DORA program. Prior removals, departures (voluntary
or not) or refused admissions can have serious
consequences on eligibility. Many applicants have
been detained and deported without warning at
adjustment interviews.
The DORA program was initially begun to adjudicate
simpler cases. This system, however, is not for
everyone. If you have any questions regarding your
eligibility for adjustment of status, you may need
to consult with an immigration attorney. It is
important to make sure you are in one of the
above-mentioned classes of persons eligible to
obtain permanent residency at the time of your DORA
appointment. |
