Green cards, which allow a person to reside in the United States permanently, are an important phase in the process of immigrating to the country. However, not everyone who wishes to immigrate to the United States will qualify for this document.
It can be stressful to navigate this process, which is why finding a trustworthy immigration attorney should be one of your top priorities. A Marietta green card lawyer could assist qualifying individuals navigate their pathway to a permanent residence card and understand their legal options.
Family-sponsored green cards are among the most common ways that immigrants can gain permanent residency status in the United States. To obtain one of these cards, the applicant must have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Only certain family members will qualify under the law. Immediate family members, including children and spouses, are given preference when it comes to immigration. A limited number of visas will be issued each year to certain other family members as well, including parents, children over 21, and siblings.
Even qualifying individuals may need to wait to obtain a green card because the country only takes a finite number of individuals in each category. To learn more about family sponsorship, hopeful applicants should speak to a local green card attorney.
The United States offers green cards to certain individuals with specific employment skills. These visas improve the United States economy by accepting employees from other countries who can offer unique benefits.
Individuals who might qualify for a work-related green card will include certain professors, academics, researchers, and executives. Individuals with advanced degrees might be able to acquire one after obtaining a firm job offer. Some other categories will include religious workers, international employees of the United States government abroad, members of the armed forces, certain doctors, and individuals who translated for United States operations abroad. Someone who is unsure of whether their occupation technically falls into one of these categories could get it clarified with a lawyer.
Some individuals may qualify for a green card based on persecution they will face in their home country. First, this person must apply for asylum in the United States by proving legitimate risks to their safety if they return home. This risk of persecution must relate specifically to their membership in a political, social, or religious group.
If the application is approved, after one year, an asylee can apply for a green card. At the point in time when the person applies for a green card, they must meet the definition of a refugee as written in United States immigration law. Refugees are individuals living outside of their country who cannot return home without the threat of serious harm. If the refugee no longer fits that definition because of changes in the political situation in their home country, or for other reasons, this will impact their ability to apply for or obtain a green card.
In order to obtain a green card, the applicant must be eligible for admission into the United States. Some immigrants might not be eligible based on their criminal history, national security threats, health, country of origin, or prior removal proceedings. A Marietta green card application lawyer could review their circumstances and look for potential factors relating to their ability or inability to obtain a green card.
Immigrating to the United States is a huge life event and will often require a great deal of time and effort. Seeking a green card is one of the steps involved in this process and will help an individual begin their life in America. If you have questions concerning the process or your eligibility, contact a Marietta green card lawyer today.