All around the world, the dream of moving to the United States to seek employment, to join family members, or to escape persecution remains alive and well. However, a person who attempts to enter the United States without authorization or who overstays a temporary visa faces the prospect of deportation.
One way to set one’s mind at ease is to request status as a legal permanent resident. Also known as obtaining a green card, applying for legal permanent resident status is a complex process. People must qualify under an established United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) program and take the proper steps to ensure a complete and accurate application.
A Wheaton applying for legal permanent resident status lawyer could help people complete this process. Legal professionals could work to gather necessary information, identify the proper USCIS program, and complete the required paperwork to achieve this lofty goal.
Many people who are seeking a change in their immigration status are already legally in the United States. These may be people who are here on a temporary work visa or those who have sought asylum due to political or religious persecution.
For these applicants, they begin the process by completing and submitting Form I-485 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form serves as the official application to change one’s legal permanent resident status. As a result, the form requires detailed information concerning one’s:
Working with a Wheaton applying for legal permanent resident status lawyer could help people already in the United States to determine their eligibility for this change in immigration status and could start them down the path to their goal of legal permanent residence.
It is also possible for people who are still living in their home countries to pursue legal permanent residence in the United States. Some people may be able to prequalify for entry as the spouse or fiancé of a U.S. citizen. There is no limit to the number of visas that the USCIS issues for these family members.
Other family members must submit to the visa lottery program. Relatives such as children of U.S. citizens, spouses of green card holders, and married children of citizens may need to wait for a visa and subsequent green card.
Another prominent category of foreign citizens who may immediately apply for legal permanent resident status is immigrant workers with special abilities. These include people who have extraordinary achievements in the arts, science, or athletics. This program may also be available for skilled workers with sufficient experience or advanced degrees. A Wheaton applying for legal permanent resident status lawyer could work to evaluate the eligibility of people for green cards who are currently located in their home countries.
Every person has the right to seek a better life. However, the United States’ immigration laws often make this difficult. Without taking the proper legal steps, even a person already legally in the United States may face a denial or deportation.
Thankfully, an attorney who could help you apply for legal permanent resident status in Wheaton could prove invaluable. Legal professionals could work to evaluate your current immigration status and to determine if you qualify for any of the USCIS legal permanent resident programs. By helping people to gather evidence and complete the relevant paperwork, a Wheaton applying for legal permanent resident status attorney may be able to help you to start a new and permanent life in America. Contact an attorney today to start your confidential consultation.
