Immigrating to the United States can be a complicated and confusing process. Immigration requires detailed paperwork and timely action, and with immigration law and paperwork changing frequently, it can be difficult to navigate these waters alone. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in your immigration matters.
Most of the United States’ relevant laws surrounding immigration are found in Title 8 of the United States Code. This section also includes the Immigration and Nationality Act, or INA. These laws prohibit state governments from enacting immigration laws. Thus, immigration laws are enforced by three federal agencies. These include Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also called ICE, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, also known as USCIS, and Customs and Border Protection, or CBP.
If you’re attempting to immigrate to the United States from a foreign country, you’ll first need to obtain an approved visa. U.S. visas are available for people who are immigrating to the United States as well as those who are here for school, employment or as tourists.
Obtaining Permanent Residency and Citizenship
Immigrating to the United States is complicated matter, requiring the submission of myriad detailed applications to the federal government. Obtaining permanent residency (also known as a green card) and eventual citizenship often requires the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney. The most common way to achieve legal U.S. status is through family-based immigration. Family-based immigration requires a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to file a petition with the U.S. government on behalf of a family member who is a citizen of a foreign country. A U.S. family “sponsor” can advocate for immediate relatives, including spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 and adopted children younger than 16. The government does not limit the number of approved relative visas each year, so there typically is no waiting period.
Other visa applications are subject to government quota limitations, making the process longer and more complicated. With something as important as your citizenship – and your life – it’s vital to find an immigration attorney who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals; give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your case today.
