The INS recently issued a memorandum regarding the expiration of the Soviet Scientist Immigration Act of 1992 (“SSIA”) on October 24, 1996. The INS has stated that a person may not immigrate under the act unless a petition has been approved on or before the expiration date. Applications pending after that date will be denied. If the I-140 petition is approved before that date, the applicant is still eligible to adjust status to permanent residency or process at a consulate even if such applications are submitted after October 24, 1996. All INS offices have been directed to approve or deny all pending SSIA applications filed prior to the expiration date before the expiration actually occurs.
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