Judge: Immigrants' kids who 'age out' lose place

The Associated Press
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 - 9:33 pm

LOS ANGELES -- A federal judge has ruled that adult children who turn 21 while waiting for family-sponsored green cards have to wait anew once they "age out" of their parents' applications.

U.S. District Judge James Selna ruled in Los Angeles against a group of immigrants with green cards who sued the federal government, arguing a 2002 law means grown children should be allowed into the country when their parents file new paperwork on their behalf.

Friday's final ruling means the plaintiffs' children who became adults while waiting for processing must start the application process from the beginning.

Immigration attorneys say thousands of immigrants have waited a decade or more for their older children to join them in the U.S.

Plaintiffs' attorney Carl Shusterman said he plans to appeal.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/2252045.html