NEW YORK Thousands of undocumented immigrants are hurrying to tie the knot in localities all across the United States, hoping to beat the April 30 expiration date of a provision allowing them to legalize their status in the United States, AFP reported on Monday. The Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act signed last December by then president Bill Clinton temporarily reinstates section 245I, an immigration code provision allowing eligible undocumented immigrants to begin the paperwork to obtain permanent residency -- provided they are related by blood or marriage to a United States citizen or permanent resident. Prior to the law, and again after Monday, immigrants will have to return to their home countries and wait three to 10 years for a visa. In the days leading up to Monday's deadline, many immigrants were hastily tying the knot, while others were frantically searching for someone -- with the proper immigration status, of course -- to walk down the aisle with. Those eligible to apply include parents, spouses and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, and spouses and unmarried children of legal permanent residents. Undocumented immigrants may be allowed to stay in the United States while awaiting a visa, but would have to pay a 1,000-dollar fine for illegally entering the country and a 225-dollar application fee.