Published: July 18, 2022
The growing number of Latino visa applicants reflects their hopes that America is a land of endless opportunities. A 2021 Pew Research Center study reveals that 83% of Latinos think that America holds better life opportunities than in their home countries. For many Latinos, migration to the United States is a long-term solution against hunger, social inequality, and poverty.
According to 2019 statistics, Latinos comprise 8% of the American population amounting to 44.9 million. They turn out to be hard working, resilient, and happy people. Having access to rights and privileges exclusive to US citizens and permanent residents made Latino immigrants better and well-studied professionals.
Today, the desire for Latinos to live and travel to the United States (US) is stronger than ever. If you are among the hopefuls, there are few things to keep in mind.
Reminders for Latino Visa Applicants
The Latin American visa rules are not that different to the rules set for other foreigners. Applicants must submit all the travel documents and comply with the mandatory procedures. Some regulations apply strictly to Latinos but for the most part, the visa requirements are similar.
For a smoother transition into the US, Latinos should take note of the following:
1. Visa eligibility
The USCIS accepts immigrants from all countries without discrimination, including Latinos. However, applicants must possess requirements to make them eligible for their desired visa category. Applicants can apply for immigrant and non-immigrant visas.
US immigrants may acquire green cards through eight (8) routes:
- Green Card through family (e.g., relatives, spouse, and fiancé(e))
- Employment
- As a special immigrant
- Refugee or asylee status
- Human trafficking and crime victims
- Victims of abuse
- Other categories
- Through registry
For nonimmigrant visas, Latinos may choose to apply for:
- Business
- Tourism
- Studying
- Vocational training
- Employment
2. Immigration queues
One of the first steps in getting a US visa of whatever nature is setting a visa appointment with embassies or consulates. Unfortunately, there is no way to ascertain the exact waiting time for said appointments. The speed of processing and the availability of slots depends on the ongoing queues of host countries.
Applicants coming from Latin American countries are advised to plot visa appointment schedules ahead of time. Because of the high volume of applications, the immigration offices are buried with cases and paperwork. It is better to work with immigration law firms like ALG Lawyers to manage the processes with ease.
3. Effects of NAFTA
A huge percentage of Latino visa applicants hail from Mexico. If you are one of them, consider the options available under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
NAFTA is a trade treaty between countries United States, Canada, and Mexico. While its main purpose is to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers of trade and investment between the signatory states, it also has provisions relating to immigration. For Mexicans, qualified applicants may have an easier time entering the United States.
Mexicans may apply for a nonimmigrant TN visa. After complying with the conditions, TN visa holders may earn the eligibility to apply for a Green Card.
4. Border conflicts
The USCIS Accepts Asylees And Refugees From Countries With Extreme Border Conflicts, Including Latin American Countries. For Latinos, The Most Common Entry Point Is The Southern Borders Of The US, Specifically Mexico.
Aside From The Requirements That The US Government Will Ask For, Applicants Should Also Consider The Laws And Regulations Set In The Borders Where You Will Apply For Asylee Or Refugee Visas. Immigration Attorneys From ALG Lawyers Can Provide A Thorough Guide For This Matter. We Already Helped Numerous Latino Immigrants Gain Entry As Immigrants To The US.
5. Job opportunities
The American Labor Force Is Dependent On Immigrants. As Such, The Country Is Not Likely To Lack Demand From Immigrants To Fulfill Jobs From Different Industries.
In 2021, Record Shows That There Are At Least 29 Million Latino Immigrant Workers In The US. Trend Shows That This Number Will Grow Up To 78% By 2030.
Most Job Opportunities Come From Industries Like Farming, Fishing, Forestry, Construction, Food Service, And Transportation. However, Latinos Are Also Prominent In White-Collared Jobs. Many Latino Professionals Became Reputable Personalities In America.
6. Resources for immigrants
As Time Passes, More Resources Exist For Latino Immigrants In The US. Organizations Exist That Provide Social Services And Access To Critical Information Helpful To The Daily Living Of Latino Immigrants. Some Of The Organizations That Offer Direct Immigration Services Include Adult Basic Education (ABE), DACA Scholarship, And Office For New Americans (ONA).
For an in-depth review of immigration policies and other legal measures relating to Latinos moving into the US, you can count on ALG Lawyers. We can set a series of meetings to discuss your options regarding visas and how you will adjust to your new life in America.
We also offer digitally available resources on immigration. Feel free to check out our blogs for updated guides and useful information.
7. Visa processes
Processing visas for foreigners, whether for Latinos or members of other ethnicities, will involve layers of complex processes. It is important for applicants to understand this from the get go because immigrating to the US take tremendous amount of work and time. However, despite the meticulous processes, the results can be life-changing.
ALG Lawyers is a team of legal professionals that can assist you from preparing documents to settling in as new immigrants to the US. Our immigration lawyers and legal staff will work with you to ensure that no deadlines are missed and every submission is in proper order. We can also represent you in case of visa denials or appeals. It is our goal to protect your rights and interests at all costs.
Legal Help for All Visa Concerns
Migrating as a Latino to the US comes with unique challenges. Fortunately, there is a way to move into the US with ease and security. Whether you are traveling on your own or with other family members, we are here to assist you towards a more progressive life.
You can always rely on ALG Lawyers for top-tier immigration services. Our highly experienced team of immigration lawyers works hard to ensure that your immigration processes will go as smoothly as possible. Do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with us whenever you are available. We will readily address your concerns.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)