Can senators grant a visa-holder a different status?

[LR0 0]

Can a senator grant citizenship or green card or a status with path to citizenship to an individual on a visa?

I have heard about this, but do not know if it's possible..

Thanks.

I am on a J1 exchange visitor visa for medical training (residency and fellowship), and last year was also granted temporary protected status (TPS) based on situation in Syria.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

You should go try white house Obama.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yes and no. They can introduce what is know as a "Private Bill", but that would have to passed by both Houses and signed by the President. It does happen, but rarely, and usually in special cases, like after you are dead.

[Darnell 8,479]

A senator wouldn't grant it.

A senator would prepare a special bill on just one human, and see if it gets passed in the Senate. Unsure about the House involvement, but

if it's voted on and YES is the answer, then it's possible. There's a special thing about this, unsure if you meet those requirements for the special priviledge.

[LR0 0]

Thanks for your responses.

Essentially, I have never had problems with getting visas. However, recently, because of the J1 for my medical training as well as the ongoing war in my country, it has been difficult. I would want to travel to a nearby country to check on my parents & family, but can not do that as I feel it maybe too risky to re-enter the states: whether it's a) the J1 in which case I have to reapply from an embassy outside my country (prolonged process may or may not get approved under current circumstances), or, b) via TPS and a travel document which is as risky if not even more.

By risky I mean risking not completing my medical training in the US or gets interrupted if I went outside US and any process to come back that takes more than a week or two may risk me being 'stuck outside' the US.

My J1 completes 7 years in 2 years from now.

Hence, some of my connected co-workers at work mentioned they can talk to senators for me to 'keep me here' or grant me a green card, but they do not clearly understand the process in regards to visas/status...etc. hence my question.

Considering the above and my current situation, what would you recommend?

Is there a way I can adjust my status from J1 to a path for citizenship/green card?

I really hope I can travel without running into problems.

[Darnell 8,479]

I say stay in the USA and finish your medical stuff.

Note that after some time as TPS, you will qualify for a green card. Chase that, instead.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

I say stay in the USA and finish your medical stuff.

Note that after some time as TPS, you will qualify for a green card. Chase that, instead.

Darnell, How to qualify for a green card as TPS?

TPS could become eligible for a green card on some other basis. This could be, for example, because of marriage to a U.S. citizen, a job offer and sponsorship by a U.S. employer, or a grant of asylum.