INA §204 (2011): Procedure for granting immigrant status

Petitioning procedure

Investigation; consultation; approval; authorization to grant preference status

Limitation on orphan petitions approved for a single petitioner; prohibition against approval in cases of marriages entered into in order to evade immigration laws; restriction on future entry of aliens involved with marriage fraud

Recommendation of valid home-study

Subsequent finding of non-entitlement to preference classification

Preferential treatment for children fathered by United States citizens and born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, or Thailand after 1950 and before October 22, 1982

Restriction on petitions based on marriages entered while in exclusion or deportation proceedings

Survival of rights to petition

Professional athletes

1.: In general
2.: “Professional athlete” defined

Job flexibility for long delayed applicants for adjustment of status to permanent residence

Procedures for unmarried sons and daughters of citizens

1.: In general
2.: Exception
3.: Priority date
4.: Clarification

Surviving relative consideration for certain petitions and applications

1.: In general
2.: Alien described