Understanding the basics of family-based immigration in the United States can help you keep your family together. In particular, if you are worried about your undocumented parents being detained or deported due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you should know that you might have a way to help them stay and gain legal protections.
Any adult citizen of the United States who is at least 21 years of age can help their parents apply for a green card. In fact, any immediate relative of an adult U.S. citizen can benefit from the relation in order to apply for a green card.
Examples of immediate relatives include:
- Mothers and fathers
- Sisters and brothers
- Adopted children or adoptive parents
- Spouses
- Stepchildren or stepparents
- Widows and widowers
However, it is important to note that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does generally give priority to parents when considering immediate family green cards. When applying for legal permanent residency (LPR) for multiple family members, the parents will be processed first and will have the highest chance of approval. The USCIS actually estimates that the majority of parents who receive LPR through a green card do so thanks to the efforts of their children.
Additionally, a child petitioning for a green card on behalf of their parents is expected to be able to financially support them. If you do not have gainful employment or the means to support yourself, you should not expect the USCIS to approve of your parent’s green card based solely on your immediate relation. Keep in mind that you have to be a citizen yourself, as being a resident does not apply under these circumstances.
Louisiana Family Visa Attorney Dees – 337.214.0670
Do you have questions or concerns about using your citizenship to help your parent or parents receive a green card? All the help you need is right here at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. We pride ourselves on making immigration law a simplified subject for our clients and guiding them through with confidence, regardless of the challenges ahead. Contact our office to speak with a Lake Charles immigration lawyer today.