In 1994, Congress enacted section 245(i) of the INA, permitting certain individuals who were otherwise ineligible for adjustment of status in the United States to pay a penalty fee for the convenience of adjusting status without leaving the United States. Why is 245i so amazing? Because this allowed families to stay together in the United States to complete the immigration process and avoid the long, uncertain separation required to go through the immigration process outside the United States at a U.S. consulate abroad. So if you or someone you know has a very old petition, 2001 or before, this is THEIR EPISODE - don't miss it!