What's Happening

August 13, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – A new process allowing certain undocumented spouses and step-children of U.S. citizens to apply for lawful permanent residence (a green card) without leaving the United States begins August 19, 2024. At that time, the Adrian Dominican Sisters Immigration Assistance Office is available to help determine eligibility and assistance in the process.

The Process to Promote the Unity and Stability of Families was announced by the Biden Administration on June 18, 2024, and could impact about 500,000 spouses and 50,000 step-children of U.S. citizens. To be eligible, spouses and step-children must be present in the United States without admission or parole and have been continuously present in the United States for at least 10 years as of June 17, 2024. Spouses must have been legally married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

“We hope that word spreads,” Sister Attracta said. She encourages local families who qualify for the new process to contact her office after Monday, August 19, 2024, at 517-266-3526 for information and legal assistance.

In the meantime, Sister Attracta encourages the families to begin work on documentation – to prove that the spouse and stepchildren of a U.S. citizen have been in the United States for 10 years and that the spouse and the U.S. citizen have been married since at least June 18, 2024. “A lot of documentation is going to be required,” she said, and the sooner that process is completed, the sooner the spouse and stepchildren can apply for legal resident status.

Sister Attracta said that the new policy is a great benefit to eligible immigrants. “Before this new process, if someone came here illegally and was married to a U.S. citizen, they had to go back [to their country] while waiting for legal status,” she explained. “It could be three years or a five-year bar or a 10-year bar” before their case could be heard. 

The immigrant spouses “have been here for so many years,” Sister Attracta explained. “They have been working. They have been paying taxes.” Many are petrified at the idea of returning to their native country while they wait for the process to be completed. Allowing them to stay in the United States during this process is a gift, Sister Attracta said. 

She hopes to help as many families as possible to go through the process quickly, to give the spouse and stepchildren the security of legal resident status in the United States. 

Those who are eligible can apply for this process beginning on Monday, August 19, 2024. Applications submitted before that date will be rejected. In the meantime, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers preliminary information on eligibility, documents to prepare for this process, and how to avoid scams. Access this information in English and in Spanish.

Up-to-date information on this immigration process can be found here.

To schedule a consultation with the Adrian Dominican Sisters Immigration Assistance Office after August 19, call 517-266-3526.

By Sister Marilín Llanes, OP
Director and Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Advisory Board Office

Founded in 2005, Windmill Microlending opened its doors to skilled immigrants and refugees who land in Canada to rebuild their lives. The organization is committed to crafting the needed financial products and equipping clients, who don’t have established credit ratings or collateral, with the resources that promote economic mobility and equity.

The Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Portfolio Advisory Board (PAB) members on June 7, 2024, unanimously approved a loan to Windmill. 

Dr. Maria Eriksen, a Calgary-based clinical psychologist, was disheartened to learn custodial staff at the hospital where she worked were internationally trained professionals. Their credentials were not recognized and they could not practice their professions due to an array of obstacles ranging from language barriers, high licensing costs, and a limited understanding of the Canadian system. When Dr. Eriksen learned about the challenges these skilled immigrants faced, she took action steps that consequently changed the lives of thousands of new settlers across Canada.  

Windmill offers financial support with affordable, low-interest loans of up to $15,000 to pay for accreditation, training, and career development. Its mission-driven way is well aligned with the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ Enactment that beckons us to “building the beloved community in which everyone is cared for, absent of poverty, hunger and hate.” 

Binal, a dentist from Mississauga, Ontario, calls her Windmill Microlending Career Success Coach, Robert, “an angel in my life,” who helped her and her family at a time when they were truly in need.

She says the Windmill loan application process was simple and responsive. Robert was there to answer questions and provide financial and career advice through the entire process, which she completed from home. 

“My Windmill loan really changed my life. I was preparing for my final exam to get my credential to become a dentist,” she said. “We were in a dire financial situation and Robert shared with me the good news.” 

Binal was on maternity leave at the time and was struggling to pay for her professional accreditation exams and no financial institution would extend her the funds needed to complete the licensing process. She had been referred to Windmill Microlending by one of her dental instructors, so Binal applied for a loan and was approved within five business days. 

Binal’s Windmill loan helped her pay for childcare while she studied as well as her exam fees. It also meant she wouldn’t need to return to long shifts at a sandwich shop. With the financial pressure relieved, Binal completed her exams and is now back working in her chosen profession, bringing smiles to her patients. 

She says her early years in a new country proved challenging but with Robert and Windmill’s support, her future is bright and her potential is unlimited.

The Windmill microlending invests in financial resilience for transformative impact in the lives of skilled immigrants and refugees across Canada.

Watch a video of Binal describing her experience with Windmill.