Addison Family Immigration Attorney

Addison Family Immigration Attorney

For many families, the most important legal right they will ever exercise is that of lawful immigration status. This allows family members to stay together without the constant threat of separation. It also allows family members to exercise the lawful right to work in the United States, which helps provide financial security for the family for years to come. Learn more about how an Addison family immigration attorney can help ensure your family’s ability to lawfully live and work in the United States. 

Family Sponsor Visas

Family visas are available in two categories – immediate relative (for only spouses, parents, or children of U.S. citizens) and family preference. The family preference category is open to a wider range of more distant relatives, but it is also limited by annual quotas. This is why it is important to file in the family preference category if you are eligible. It is also important to understand the effect that a single birthday can have on a child’s application. If a child is unmarried and under the age of 21, he or she is eligible for an immediate relative visa. But if the child marries or turns 21, he or she will have to wait for a family preference visa as an adult child. Preference categories are defined by the applicant’s age, marital status, and whether the sponsoring relative is a U.S. citizen or a green card holder. 

Family Sponsor Green Cards

If you are a green card holder, you may sponsor a spouse or unmarried child (regardless of age) for a green card. If you are a U.S. citizen, you may also sponsor married children. Parents and siblings can also be sponsored if the U.S. citizen is 21 or older. And since 2013, spouses have included same sex-spouses. This is because the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down by the Supreme Court that year. All federal benefits extended to opposite-sex spouses were then extended to same-sex spouses, meaning that homosexual couples were eligible to sponsor spouses for lawful permanent residency. 

How to Get U.S. Citizenship

U. S. Citizenship does not require a sponsor. The applicant proves that he or she has lived in the United States lawfully for the required length of time and met all other eligibility requirements. Then, the applicant must pass tests in English proficiency and civics. Your family can help you prepare for these tests. While they can provide financial and emotional support throughout the process, citizenship is ultimately taken on by the applicant alone. An immigration lawyer can help you and your family navigate the complicated process of citizenship application to increase your chances of success.

The Right Immigration Attorneys for All Addison Families

The Addison immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C.   have helped many families achieve lawful immigration status. With the proper visa, green card, or citizenship, your family can stay together under the protection of the law. An experienced family immigration lawyer can help you protect this right in order to keep your family together. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.