Secretary Napolitano and USCIS Director Mayorkas Announce Full Implementation of New Law Providing Permanent Residence Eligibility for Surviving Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens

Release Date: December 14, 2009

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced that DHS has fully implemented recent legislation allowing USCIS to approve immigrant petitions for permanent resident status in the United States filed by or on behalf of widows and widowers of U.S. citizens and their unmarried children under 21 years old.

“Smart immigration policy balances strong enforcement practices with common-sense, practical solutions to complex issues,â€