Many people come to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. However, not everyone who wants to live and work in the United States can do so legally. The U.S. government restricts entry into the country and sets limitations on how long visitors can stay.
A Palm Bay green card lawyer could help you or your loved one gain the right to stay in this country through a green card. The experienced immigration attorney at Jag Law, PLLC, could review the details of your situation and help you navigate the immigration process.
Obtaining a green card gives you the status of a legal permanent resident, allowing you to live and work in the country. The federal government issues green cards to legal permanent residents through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A green card is an informal term for the documentation that serves as proof of someone’s right to remain in the U.S. Permanent residents can show the green card to prospective employers as evidence of their right to work legally. Green cards are typically valid for ten years and can generally be renewed by filing the appropriate application with the USCIS. Many people view their green card as the last step in the immigration process towards becoming full U.S. citizens.
Our determined legal team in Palm Bay has extensive experience helping people obtain, renew, and use their green cards to help them on the path toward citizenship.
While many people might wish to become permanent residents, only those who fall within specific categories are eligible to obtain green cards.
Immediate family members—which includes spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under age 21 of U.S. citizens, or parents of U.S. citizens over age 21—have priority in obtaining green cards.
Other family members can also obtain green cards through family-based preference categories. Some categories include older unmarried children, siblings, or married children of U.S. citizens. Family members of lawful permanent residents, such as their spouses or children, can also sometimes obtain green cards through their family status.
Immigration law provides immigrants and non-immigrant workers with employment-based pathways to obtain a green card. Typically, the employer would petition for immigrant skilled workers and professionals who possess the right combination of education, skills, and experience.
Non-immigrant workers, who are on temporary visas (H-1B, L-1B, etc.), may be eligible to adjust their status if their employer sponsors them.
People who wish to emigrate from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. can apply for a limited number of green cards through the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
If an applicant can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country due to race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group, asylum may be granted if filed within one year of arriving in the United States. The asylee may then obtain a green card.
People who have been a victim of battery or extreme cruelty may be eligible for a green card if abused by a U.S. citizen spouse/former spouse, parent, a U.S. citizen child, a lawful permanent resident spouse/former spouse, or a legal permanent resident parent.
People facing special situations in their home countries, such as revolutions or civil wars, can occasionally obtain green cards. Their eligibility for green cards under this category changes as the circumstances in their home countries change.
Our well-informed Palm Bay green card attorney could review your situation to see if you fall under one of the above-listed or other categories.
A green card can give you peace of mind, knowing that you can remain permanently in this country. With a green card, you do not have to fear being separated from your loved ones and being sent back to your home country. Meet with a Palm Bay green card lawyer to learn what they can do to assist you. Give us a call today.
