Tullahoma Immigration Lawyer

Many immigrants who move to the United States hope to one day get a Green Card and become permanent legal residents. Green Cards provide security that the holders don’t have to leave the U.S. or hope they qualify for another visa. They can hold more than temporary jobs and may even be able to help some of their family members immigrate to the United States too.

Not everyone is eligible for a Green Card. To apply, you must fit into one of the specific categories for eligibility. If you hope to apply for a Green Card, a Tullahoma immigration lawyer can advise you on how to best file a successful application. Below, you can learn about some of the categories that may make you eligible to apply. If you have any questions about the immigration process, do not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney at Youngblood & Associates.

Green Cards Based on Family Relationships

Most successful Green Card applicants will fit into two main categories. The first category is based on family relationships. U.S. citizens can sponsor a petition for a Green Card for their spouse, child, sibling, or parent. U.S. citizens may also sponsor applications for their fiance(e) or the child of their fiance(e). Finally, widows or widowers of U.S. citizens who were married to their spouses at the time of their passing may rely on this relationship for a Green Card application.

People who have become legal permanent residents and who already hold a Green Card may also sponsor a Green Card petition for their spouse or unmarried child. However, Green Card holders cannot sponsor siblings, fiance(e)s, or widows and widowers based solely on the family relationship.

Learn more about our family immigration services by scheduling a consultation with one of our seasoned lawyers in Tullahoma.

Green Cards Based on Employment

Besides family relationships, many successful Green Card applications are based on employment. Most employees will need to already have a job offer from an employer in the U.S. who is willing to apply for a labor certification approval. Our Tullahoma immigration attorneys work with employers to ensure all rules are followed during the Green Card application process.

Immigrant employees are sorted into categories based on their skills. Only those with “extraordinary skills” in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics will be granted first preference status. Immigrant workers with second preference status are professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional skills in science, arts, or business. Third-preference workers can be anything from professionals with at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or the foreign equivalent) to skilled or unskilled workers. There are also special Green Card programs for certain physicians willing to practice in underserved areas and for some immigrant investors.

Other Ways to Obtain a Green Card

Some immigrants may be able to obtain a Green Card for other reasons. For example, there are special categories for people in need, such as certain diplomats, religious workers, refugees, asylees, or victims of particular types of abuse. Immigrants from certain specific countries may be able to seek a Green Card if they meet other requirements. For example, Afghan or Iraqi immigrants may be eligible if they worked as translators or interpreters for the U.S. government. Immigrants who have lived in the U.S. without breaks since before January 1, 1972, can also apply for a Green Card.

Contact an immigration law attorney in Tullahoma to learn whether your specific situation qualifies you for a Green Card.

Consult a Tullahoma Immigration Attorney for Help

Getting a Green Card is a life-changing event because it can give you peace of mind about your immigrant status. As long as you keep up certain basic responsibilities like obeying the law, paying taxes, and supporting democracy, you can freely live and work in the United States.

With so many ways to qualify for a Green Card, you should discuss your own story with a Tullahoma immigration lawyer. You might fit into one of the more common categories based on family relationships or employment, or there might be a special circumstance that qualifies you in another way. With sound legal advice, you could be on your way to becoming a permanent legal resident. Call Youngblood & Associates today to learn more.