Green Card

Under immigration law, there are a number of different ways that an immigrant can receive a green card. Obtaining a greencard has specific requirements that, if met, allow an immigrant to receive permanent residence in America. A greencard allows for an immigrant to be considered a permanent resident given most rights of citizenship. This designation is only one step away from becoming a U.S. citizen, which is the goal for most immigrants dealin with immigration law. Other designations of inhabitants in the country include: aliens not legally permitted in the country, an individual on a temporary visa permitting a limited time of residence, and a certified U.S. citizen.

Obtaining a greencard, as mentioned earlier, allows an immigrant to receive permanent resident status. Permanent residents in the United states are granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, despite not being a U.S. citizen. Obtaining a greencard can be done in a number of different ways. While some individuals may be able to choose from a number of different paths, other individuals may only have one choice based on their specific circumstances. For example, if an individual is currently living inside the United States, the process of obtaining a greencard may be different than a person living outside of the United States. There are 3 main ways to apply and obtain a greencard in the United States, including:

* Obtaining a Green card Through Family – many people become permanent residents through family members. If a family member is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the individual may qualify for an adjustment of status. Additionally. if a family member files a Form I-130, or Petition for Alien Relative, a green card may be obtained. There are many other distinctions and requirements by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including special considerations for battered children, widowers, or foreign diplomats.

* Obtaining a Green card Through a Job – other individuals may obtain permanent resident status through a job or offer of employment. If a worker is able, willing, and qualified to work in place needing more jobs, and not displacing any American citizen workers, he or she may qualify for a greencard. Immigrants may obtain the status through a job offer, investment, self petition, or other categories of jobs such as translators, broadcasters, religious workers, ormany others.

* Obtaining a Green Card Through Refugee or Asylum Status – others may be qualified if they were admitted as a refugee or a family member of an asylee one year after their entrance into the United States. As a refugee, an individual is required to apply for a green card. As an asylee, the individual is not required, but is recommended to apply.

There are other ways to obtain a greencard in the United States. While most immigrants apply through a family member’s sponsorship, employment, or refugee/asylee status, other adjustment programs are offered by the USCIS to specially qualified individuals including Haitain refugees, members of the armed forces, victims of criminal activity, and Cuban citizens as well as many others.