The United States is a land of opportunity, attracting people from all over the world who dream of a new life. If you’re one of them, navigating the legalities of entering the US can feel overwhelming. Here is a breakdown of the top 5 ways you can enter the US legally, from reuniting with family to securing a job with your unique skillset.
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1. Family Sponsorship
The family sponsorship path allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to petition for certain family members to join them in the US. This includes spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21, and, in some cases, siblings and adult children. The process typically involves filing a petition with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) followed by visa processing at a US consulate abroad. This can be a lengthy process, but it offers a clear path to permanent residence for qualified family members.
2. Employment
This category caters to individuals with skills and experience that are in high demand by US employers. There are various visa options under this category, like the H-1B for specialty occupations or the EB-5 for investors who create jobs. Employers typically initiate the process by sponsoring the foreign worker and petitioning for a work visa. This route can be complex and requires documentation to prove the worker’s qualifications and the lack of qualified US applicants for the position.
3. Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program offers a chance at permanent residence for people from countries with historically low immigration rates to the US. Participation is free, with entries submitted electronically during a designated registration period. Winning the lottery doesn’t guarantee a visa, but it opens the door to the application process. This path can be attractive due to its randomness and affordability, but the odds of winning are relatively low.
4. Refugee or Asylum Status
The refugee or asylum option is for individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The process involves applying with USCIS for refugee status or asylum protection. If granted, refugees are resettled in the US with support services, while asylum seekers can remain in the US while their case is reviewed. This path is intended for those facing genuine threats in their home countries.
5. Investment
The EB-5 program is designed to attract foreign capital and create jobs in the US economy. To qualify, individuals must invest a significant amount of money in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. This is the fastest path to a green card for those with substantial financial resources. Still, the investment is high, and success hinges on the viability of the chosen business venture.
A skilled green card lawyer could help fight for your constitutional rights. To learn more, contact an attorney today to set up a consultation.
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An experienced immigration lawyer can help. If you have questions about new immigration fees and waivers, we can guide you through your immigration journey. If you need help with your status, contact Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers at 630-345-4164.
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Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
