LOS ANGELES, July 28: In a major move the US Congress on Friday night passed a bill that addresses the delays in family reunion because of lethargy caused by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

The most significant impact of the bill will be on those children who fail to get their green cards because by the time their petitions are approved they cross the threshold age of 21.

The child protection act will soon be signed by the president.

Too many children of US citizens and legal permanent residents are penalized under the immigration and nationality act.

In particular, children of legal permanent residents whose visa petitions are reclassified when their parents become naturalized citizens face prolonged delays due to their reclassification.

The proposed new law ensures that these children do not face additional delays. It also ensures that the length of time it takes for the INS to process petitions does not adversely affect children who are being invited from overseas to join their parents.