Being successful in obtaining a green card is often the goal of immigrants living in the USA. It affords you a level of security and freedom while you enjoy the benefits that come with permanent residency. It means you can stay in the country for as long as you like without concern of removal.
Understandably, many green ard holders will have close family members living in another country who also want to live their life in the United States. Does having a green card put you in a position where you can help your family enter the country?
It can be helpful to immediate family members
Green card holders can petition for certain members of their family to immigrate to the United States as permanent residents. As a Lawful Permanent Resident yourself, the eligible relatives you can petition for are your spouse and your unmarried son or daughter.
When you file your petition you’ll be asked to demonstrate your relationship with that individual. This can usually be achieved by providing a document such as a birth or marriage certificate. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will then consider your petition. If your relative is not currently living in the United States, it will be forwarded to, and considered by, the U.S. Consulate relevant to that person.
It’s important to note that filing a petition does not afford family members with immigration status but it is the first step in the process of helping that person to immigrate to the U.S.
Understanding the available immigration routes for your family as a green card holder is important for securing their residency in the United States. Due to the often complex nature of the rules, it’s useful to have legal assistance with the process.