Recent Blog Posts
Do Family Members of U.S. Citizens Have the Right to a Green Card?
Becoming a permanent resident of the United States can be a complex process, but family-based immigration makes it possible. U.S. citizens can sponsor relatives, allowing them to obtain green cards and live in the country as permanent residents. Who is eligible for this? What criteria do you have to meet, and how long will it take? A Prince William County, VA immigration lawyer can answer those questions and help you understand your rights and options as you pursue a green card.
Who Can Apply for Family-Based Permanent Residence?
Immediate relatives have the highest claim in family-based immigration. They have fewer limitations than other relatives and can typically access a green card much faster. Examples of people who qualify as immediate relatives include:
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Spouses: Married couples, widows, and widowers are recognized regardless of where they were married. Widows and widowers of U.S. citizens may apply as long as they were married for two years and filed within two years of their spouse’s death.
Can I Get Special Immigrant Juvenile Status?
For many undocumented children in the U.S., life is filled with uncertainty and fear. Some have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents, leaving them without stability or legal status. Some may have spent many years not knowing where their parents are. Fortunately, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) offers a pathway to protection and lawful permanent residency for these vulnerable young people.
If you or a child you care about needs help with SIJS, understanding the process is just the first step. With the guidance of an experienced Virginia immigration attorney — especially one who understands the challenges immigrant children face and works as a guardian ad litem — you can take the necessary steps to secure a safer, more stable future for a deserving young soul.
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
SIJS is a humanitarian immigration status available to undocumented children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It provides a pathway to a green card and, ultimately, U.S. citizenship.
