Family relationships are among the various ways people can qualify for visas and green cards. Most people know that spouses and children can qualify for immigration opportunities if an immediate family member is a citizen or a permanent resident. In fact, simply obtaining a visa can allow a spouse and minor children to travel with the visa holder. Other family members could also be eligible for family-based immigration in some circumstances. For example, those living in the United States may want to share their good fortune with the people in their immediate family when they were younger. Many ..read more

Are you waiting for your family to finally join you in the United States? If so, the wait can be stressful and lengthy. Some good news can potentially make your wait a little more bearable. On June 3rd, 2024, USCIS announced the implementation of new guidelines to improve the family-based immigrant visa petition process. Whether you’re a lawful permanent resident or a new U.S. citizen, this is most definitely a welcome sign of improvement. Sponsoring your loved ones for permanent residency in the United States will hopefully be smoother and more efficient now. Modernized forms and clearer inst ..read more

People who have family abroad may enter the United States through lawful immigration proceedings. Immigrants are often excited about securing opportunities in the United States. A visa can allow someone to travel to the country legally with their spouse and their unmarried minor children. Those who have been in the country for long enough may qualify to become lawful permanent residents. Someone with a green card can stay in the country indefinitely. They could also eventually become a naturalized citizen. Each change in immigration status can potentially lead to more immigration opportunities ..read more

Immigrants have to establish that they meet certain standards to enter and remain in the United States of America. Security issues are a main concern during immigration proceedings. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts careful background checks to exclude dangerous individuals from the United States. Background checks are necessary at every stage of the immigration process, including visa applications, visa renewals, status adjustment and naturalization. There are numerous other security procedures in place for the protection of people across the country. Ens ..read more

Love can start in the strangest ways. People might meet someone while traveling for business or on a vacation. They might develop a deep emotional connection with someone they met online. Those from more traditional cultures may even find love through family efforts in the form of then arranged marriage. Someone who is engaged to an individual living in another country may hope to bring their fianc(é)e to the United States. A K-1 or fianc(é)e visa could be one of the fastest and most effective means of achieving that goal. There are certain rules people need to know before they attempt to secu ..read more

Immigrating to the United States is a significant life change that can be challenging and rewarding in relatively equal measure at first. A sponsor plays a crucial role in easing this transition for anyone who they sponsor. By providing practical support and guidance, sponsors can help beneficiaries adapt to life in the U.S. more smoothly and quickly. Consider these valuable tips for sponsors on how they can assist in this process. Financial stability and employment One of the primary responsibilities of a sponsor is to ensure the financial stability of a beneficiary. This includes helping the ..read more

Navigating the complex legal landscape of immigration can be daunting. This is often especially true when it comes to situations involving Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) spouses and the potential need for relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA cancellation of removal is a legal remedy available to certain non-citizen spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs who have been subjected to domestic violence or extreme cruelty. This provision offers an avenue for individuals to escape abusive situations without jeopardizing their immigration status. Eligibility criteria To qualify for VAWA ..read more

For many immigrants, the ultimate goal is United States citizenship. They dream of living in the country forever and enjoying all the rights that come with citizenship. Naturalized citizens can vote and help their loved ones immigrate. In some cases, they can even run for certain public offices. Naturalization is an admirable goal, but it is also a very challenging one for people to achieve. They must remain in the United States for a long time, avoid criminal violations that would make them ineligible for naturalization and complete a complex application process. Naturalization requires paper ..read more

Birthright citizenship in the U.S., sometimes referred to as “jus soli,” grants citizenship to individuals based on the location of their birth. In other words, if a person is born within the territorial boundaries of the United States, they are considered a citizen of the country, regardless of the nationality or immigration status of their parents. Birthright citizenship is a fundamental concept in the U.S., set up by the 14th Amendment. There are some exceptions, such as children of a diplomat from another country that are born in the U.S. simply because of that person’s position. But these ..read more

Numerous policies, rules and regulations complicate the immigration process. One such policy that has generated significant discussion of late is the Public Charge Rule. This federal guideline is pivotal in determining who can enter or remain in the country. It’s a rule that’s been the subject of much uncertainty and many questions recently. The Public Charge Rule has existed in some form for over a century, but recent revisions and interpretations have brought it back into the limelight. Essentially, the rule assesses whether an individual seeking to enter the U.S. or adjust their immigration ..read more