For many Chicago families, immigration rights are the most important legal rights they will ever exercise. The right to immigrate helps families stay together. It helps family members stay employed and financially support all members of the family – and their immigration efforts. The experienced Chicago family immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan have helped many Chicago families develop legal strategies to protect their immigration rights. We are here to help you find the fastest and most cost-effective method of obtaining lawful immigration status for all family members.
The field of family members who may act as an immigration sponsor is actually quite narrow. Immediate family member visas are usually available only to the spouses, parents, and minor children of U.S. citizens. Family preference visas (which are limited by annual quotas and can take much longer to obtain) are also available to adult children and siblings. Be sure that you qualify to act as a sponsor before applying for a visa or green card on a family member’s behalf.
The process of applying for a visa or green card is rarely fast. Even in the most straightforward cases, it can take weeks for the government to simply receive and review an application. If you are applying for a visa or green card that is subject to an annual quota, you must also wait for one to become available. This can take years. An immigration lawyer will be able to advise you on the best strategy for obtaining lawful immigration status as soon as possible. Applying for the right type of visa or green card can take months – or even years – off the process.
Family sponsorship is not the only way to obtain a visa. An employer can also act as a sponsor. Not all employers are willing to act as a sponsor due to the time and cost involved, but it is an option worth looking into. It is not always faster to obtain an employment visa, so be sure to ask a Chicago immigration lawyer about the visa that you can obtain most quickly in your unique circumstances.
There are also humanitarian grounds for immigration. Refugees seeking asylum, victims of domestic violence, and human trafficking victims can all qualify for special humanitarian visas without a sponsor. It can be difficult to qualify for a humanitarian visa. It has also become more difficult to qualify for these visas due to the political climate in recent years, so be sure to ask an immigration lawyer if a humanitarian visa is an option for you.
The experienced Chicago family immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan are here to help families stay together. Whether you need a visa, green card, or citizenship, our skilled legal team has the knowledge and experience necessary to make your immigration process as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced Chicago family immigration attorney.