On August 19, 1994, Congress passed legislation which allows previously ineligible persons to adjust their status in the United States to permanent residency by paying a sum equivalent to five times the adjustment of status fee (currently 0), plus the fee (for a total payment of 0). Those seeking to process their applications overseas must remain outside of the U.S. for a period of 90 days unless the person was in legal status at the time of departing the U.S. or the person is applying for permanent residency based on a family relationship. The new law takes effect on October 1, 1994 although it is not certain whether the I.N.S. will have regulations in place by then. Unfortunately, the expected rise in the number of adjustment applications is expected to worsen the backlog currently existing at the I.N.S.
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