Relief for Qualified Nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
Posted Apr 11, 2003

Five thousand nationals of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos became eligible to file for adjustment of status under a final rule that went into effect on January 27, 2003. The benefits are extended to many individuals from these countries, paroled into the U.S. following the Vietnam War. Many of these people remain legally in the U.S., with an indefinite immigration status.
 
To qualify, an individual must have been paroled into the U.S. prior to October 1, 1997. S/He must have entered the U.S. under one of three specific programs: the Orderly Departure Program; a Refugee Camp in East Asia; or a Refugee Camp in Thailand, administered by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). An individual must demonstrate that s/he is properly admissible to the U.S. An eligible candidate, however, would be prevented from adjustment of status to permanent residence if s/he has a criminal history.

While the rule does not include a deadline for filing, it does stipulate a limit of 5,000 persons who may benefit from the provisions. Accordingly, eligible persons should seriously consider filing without delay, in order to assure inclusion as one of the 5,000 afforded this benefit to obtain permanent residence or green card status in the U.S.