People from all over the world aspire to live in our great nation. While the United States of America permits a limited number of immigrants to move within our borders each year, most immigration applicants are denied access or must wait for years. There are presently many more people who would like to immigrate here than the law permits.
Immigration laws are complex and difficult for most to understand. This is especially true for those having little or no experience with the United States legal system. Foreigners can improve their chances of lawfully immigrating here by obtaining the services of an immigration lawyer who is versed in the intricacies of immigration law.
What is an Immigrant?
Immigrants are citizens of another country who enter the United States with the intent of establishing permanent residency. There are legal immigrants and illegal immigrants. To legally immigrate here, citizens of foreign countries must receive proper clearance. Illegal immigrants are those who come here illegally or those who come here illegally but who establish residency here without permission from immigration officials.
What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa?
Immigrant visas are issued to immigrants seeking to establish lawful permanent residency in the United States. Immigrant visas are also known as Permanent Legal Residency Cards or “green cards”, because they used to be green – however, they are currently pink in color. Once immigrants are issued a green card they become lawful permanent residents and are not required to return to their country of origin. After maintaining lawful permanent resident status for a specified period of time green card holders can apply for citizenship through naturalization, which affords them the same rights as natural-born citizens. Once issued, a green card holder is elevated to the status of lawful permanent resident. Green cards must be reviewed every ten years. Green card holders need to understand that although they are lawful permanent residents, they can still be deported for committing serious crimes or failing to meet certain conditions. Non-immigrant visas, on the other hand, are issued to immigrants for a limited purpose and length of time. Non-immigrant visas expire so non-immigrant visa-holders are generally required to leave the U.S.
How do I obtain an Immigrant Visa?
Immigrant visas – or green cards, as they are commonly referred to – are issued to four groups of immigrants:
- Employment-based immigrants
- Family-sponsored immigrants
- Diversity immigrants
- Refugees and asylees
Immigrants will generally find that it takes quite some time to have a green card application approved. During the application and approval process, applicants residing in the United States have some important tools at their disposal which they should take advantage of. A Temporary Travel Document provides green card applicants with permission to travel to and from the United States while they await green card approval. Generally speaking green card applicants must remain in the U.S. pending approval of their green card application but exceptions are granted under special circumstances. An Employment Authorization Document permits green card applicants to become employed while awaiting approval. These documents are independent from the green card and must be applied for separately. Failure to obtain these documents can result in the green card application being denied.
