While some foreign residents have the opportunity to apply for a visa and immigrate to the United States on their own, many require help. Depending on the program, it may be necessary to have a sponsor in order for this process to move forward.
Sponsoring an immigrant in Lombard is a major decision. While you have the chance to pave a path to lawful residency for someone, there are also legal obligations to consider. Before you act, you could benefit from a discussion with a dedicated immigration lawyer.
The most common situation where a Lombard resident might sponsor an immigrant involves reuniting family members in the U.S. The relatives of citizens and lawful permanent residents have the ability to come to this country and pursue a green card in many instances, so long as they are sponsored.
However, there are different options for family immigration based on the relationship between the parties as well as the sponsor’s legal status. Immediate family members of a U.S. citizen get priority in this process. The immediate relative program is the best option, given that there are no annual visa limits. This means the process is likely to go much faster compared to others. To qualify, an applicant must be the spouse or child of a citizen. Children can only apply if they are unmarried and younger than 21 years of age. For everyone else, the family preference system can take years because of annual visa limits.
Despite the best efforts of the sponsor, USCIS still has the power to deny a visa application on a variety of grounds. Having a sponsor is only one part of securing a green card, and the federal government denies applications for a number of other reasons. In some cases, the affidavit provided by the sponsor is inadequate. For example, a family member sponsoring one of their relatives might fail to establish that they would provide for that person if they were unable to do so themselves.
Most denials relate to prior criminal convictions or violations of immigration law. Someone who entered the country illegally in the past is likely ineligible for re-entry. The same is true for certain criminal convictions, including violent felonies and crimes of moral turpitude. An attorney in Lombard could answer questions about how sponsoring an immigrant might not lead to a visa.
If you have questions about sponsoring an immigrant in Lombard, now is the right time to ask. There are obligations that come into play during this process, making it crucial that you speak with legal counsel immediately. Reach out today to discuss acting as a sponsor with an attorney.
