Bringing elderly parents to the US

[Parent Immigrant 0]

Hi VJ Community,

 

I'm looking to find some answers to my questions below and would greatly appreciate your help!

 

I am watching the news in Ukraine with anxiety as my parents live in a neighboring country. Despite the EU and NATO security, I still want to look into possibly sponsoring them (I am a US citizen) to the US.

 

1. Immigration-related questions
   1. Are they considered immediate relatives and would not have to wait for a priority date?
   2. Is it possible to halt the process after the I-130 approval, by calling the NVC once a year?
   3. Any complications with visiting the US with a pending/approved I-130 on ESTA or B visa?
   4. Is there any legal route for AOS from ESTA or B1/B2 if my parents come to visit the States and then the situation at their home gets worse (embassy closing, war etc.). Or would they be able to have the interview in a different country or could they apply for asylum in the US?
       
2. Health-insurance-related questions
   1. My parents are old and have preexisting conditions. They are retired and would not work in the US. Not trying to take advantage of welfare but trying to get a sense of options available. I would be supporting them but would prefer a premium that does cost thousands of dollars.
   2. Are they eligible for Obamacare without employment? (State is Massachusetts.)
   3. Would they ever be eligible for any parts of Medicare/Medicaid?
   4. Any other factors I might be overlooking?

 

Thanks so much! Also let me know if there are other important aspects of sponsoring elderly parents that I didn't consider.

[Parent Immigrant 0]

I forgot to mention that both of my parents have a valid SSN because of previous work in the States. So in many ways, they are are already in the "system", hopefully making some things easier to acquire.

 

Any thoughts on any of my questions?

[milimelo 4,500]

1. Yes but the processing times are the same 9-12 months minimum at USCIS currently.

2. Yes.

3. Shouldn't be if they provide proof of ties to home country.

4. cart before the horse

 

1. you as their sponsor would be on the hook for any means tested benefits they don't qualify for (LPRs would only qualify after being LPR for 5 years)

2. Something to check with your state's insurance exchange, Department of health and similar - researching is on you.

3/4. If they've worked before in the States, have them run their SSA accounts (or establish them - it's free). if they have 40 quarters of work they may not need your financial sponsorship.