Published: November 23, 2021
Undocumented residents live complicated and suspenseful lives. Every day feels like a chase because they always run from border agents to avoid deportation. Being sent back to their home country is not the worst that could happen. What is more difficult for them are the things that happen next. With deportation, families and financial resources get torn apart.
Thankfully, there is still hope for undocumented immigrants. There are legal ways to acquire a Green Card and eventually retain valid residence in the United States.
Marriage
Marrying a U.S. Citizen or a Green Card holder is a classic way for any foreign citizen, documented or not, to have access to a Green Card. After the applicant gains a Green Card, they may also petition for other family members who wish to have permanent residence in the country.
DREAMers Green Card
Under the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAMers) Act, undocumented individuals who entered the United States as minors may acquire temporary conditional residency with the right to work. With this limited entry and stay in America, some DREAMers become professionals or specialists of top-caliber. Because of their prowess, U.S.-based employers may be interested in sponsoring their Green Cards and hire them as employees.
Asylum Status
Those with an asylum status refer to individuals who entered the United States as a means to escape ongoing or imminent persecution in their home country. To be eligible for this type of means to get a Green Card, one should be (1) present in the United States upon application, (2) unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of fear of persecution, (3) the nature of persecution may be related to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and (4) not involved in any prohibited activities that may trigger the revocation of the asylum status.
U Visa
As per the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act, the U Visa is a special nonimmigrant visa designed for victims of crime who assist law enforcement. It grants legal entry and employment authorization to eligible beneficiaries. At some point, it can also be a mode of acquiring a Green Card. The U Visa may even extend to the primary beneficiary’s family members by derivative application.
No Discrimination Here
Whether documented or not, we do not discriminate against clients here in ALG Lawyers. In every transaction, we remain the Los Angeles immigration lawyers who will provide you with tips, tools, and advice to help make the most out of every situation. We would like to have a coffee meeting with you!
(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.)