Published: November 10, 2021
Many intending immigrants think that they can only acquire a Green Card through family-based petitions or marrying a U.S. citizen. If you are one of them, you might be pleased to know that there are more ways under the law that immigrants may petition for a Green Card. Each type suits different classes of people.
Family
Most intending immigrants opt for family-based green cards. After all, it is the most generic and accepting option available. It does not require as many and intricate conditions as the other ones. Applicants must either be a spouse, parent, child, or sibling to an American citizen or a Green Card holder.
Employment
Under this category, an individual may apply for a Green Card by becoming an immigrant worker or immigrant investor. Immigrant workers may be divided according to preferences. Each level of preference entails a workers’ skills, educational background, and niche.
Special Immigrant
The USCIS qualifies specific individuals as “special immigrants.” These immigrants are considered special due to unique personal circumstances that set them apart from ordinary immigrants. Examples of eligible candidates who can apply for Green Card as special immigrants include religious workers, international broadcasters, and NATO-6 employees and family members.
Refugee or Asylee
Asylees and refugees refer to foreign individuals who seek protection in the United States. Most of the time, they are individuals driven out of their home states due to political, secular and civil hostilities. Both asylees and refugees must be physically present in America before filing their application for asylum and then green card a year after being granted asylum.
Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
Through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program), the U.S. Department of State will randomly choose applicants from countries with relatively lower levels of recent immigration and grant them an opportunity to apply for a visa and Green Card. About 50,000 diversity visas are issued annually.
Victims of Abuse
Immigrants who experience abuse and neglect may independently become Green Card holders, despite the lack of participation of their previous sponsor. Eligible immigrants under this category include (1) VAWA self-petitioners, (2) children abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent and eventually gained an SIJ status, (3) abused spouses or children of Cuban natives or citizens (as per the Cuban Adjustment Act), and (4) abused spouses or children of HRIFA-based Green Card holders.
Registry
Individuals who have been present in the United States since January 1, 1972, are eligible to register for Green Cards. They should prove continuous residence within the country since their move. Notably, both legal and illegal immigrants are eligible to apply.
Help Is On The Way
Do you need help with any of these eligibility categories? ALG Lawyers is more than willing to guide you every step of the way! Meet our seasoned Los Angeles immigration lawyers to discuss what options suit you best.
(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.)