Becoming a
permanent resident, or obtaining a “Green Card
Lawyers”, is a
significant step for noncitizens who wish to remain in the country. In
addition, it is an essential step on the path to full citizenship, as
individuals who have obtained green cards may apply for naturalization after
five years, provided they meet certain other requirements; some individuals may
even apply after three years. There are many ways in which a person can obtain
a green card, some of which are discussed below. For specific information
regarding your case, call our office today to speak with an experienced
immigration lawyer.
Employment-Based Green Cards
One of the
most common ways an individual can obtain a green card is through obtaining
employment in the United States. A person without U.S. citizenship may receive
a job offer from a U.S. employer who petitions the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the candidate. Additionally, an
individual who invests in an enterprise that creates jobs in the United States
may also be able to obtain a green card, as can individuals who are in certain
special categories of employment, including the following:
Afghan and
Iraqi translators;Broadcasters;An employee of an international
organization;Religious workers; andNATO-6 Nonimmigrants.
Family-Based Green Cards
Individuals
can also obtain green cards through family members who are U.S. citizens or
permanent residents. Categories of family members who may be eligible for a
green card include the following:
Spouses of
U.S. citizens and green card holders;Children of U.S. citizens and green card
holders;Parents of U.S. citizens;Siblings of U.S. citizens; andFiancés and
Fiancées of U.S. citizens.
Green Cards through Asylum or Refugee
Status
Another way
in which a person may obtain a green card is through approval of asylum or
refugee status. Asylum seekers must reside in the United States and be able to
establish that they are in fear of or have experienced persecution based upon
race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or
political opinion. Individuals who have been granted asylum may apply for a
green card one year after that grant. Refugees, on the other hand, can apply
from outside of the United States for refugee status. Similarly to asylees,
refugees are eligible to apply for a green card after they are in the United
States in refugee status for one year.
Other Ways to Obtain a Green Card
There are
several other ways to obtain a green card in addition to those listed above.
Some of these include the following:
Self
Petitioning pursuant to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA);K Nonimmigrant
Status;Special Immigrant Juvenile Status;Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE)
Act;Being the widower or widow of an American Citizen;Cuban citizenship or
nativity; andMembership in the Armed Forces.
Contact a Chicago Green Card Attorney
Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
There are a
number of ways that you may be able to qualify for permanent resident status,
and an experienced attorney can review your situation and determine which, if
any, may apply to you. The Chicago green card lawyers of Kriezelman, Burton & Associates,
LLC are
dedicated to helping foreign nationals and others with issues related to
immigration law resolve their cases with the best possible outcome. To schedule
a consultation with one of our lawyers, call our office today at 314-332-2550.