Family Immigration Lawyer By Me

Family Immigration Lawyer By Me

You don’t have to spend hours searching online for a “family immigration lawyer by me.” The experienced immigration attorneys at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan have experience with all types of family immigration cases. We also serve clients throughout the greater Chicago area. Learn more about family immigration to the United States: 

Who Is Eligible To Sponsor and Be Sponsored?

U.S. citizens may sponsor certain relatives for immigration. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) may also sponsor family members for visas. These are limited to spouses and unmarried children.

There are two categories of family sponsor green cards. Immediate relatives may obtain a green card if they are the spouse, unmarried child under the age of 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen. Family preference green cards are issued by preference categories. These include: 

• unmarried sons and daughters (over the age of 21) of U.S. citizens;
• spouses and unmarried children (over the age of 21) of lawful permanent residents;
• unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents;
• married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens; and
• brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is 21 years of age and older)

It is important to apply for the correct type of green card and select the right preference category. Errors in the application process can delay your immigration petition by weeks – or even months.

Can Family Members Enter the U.S. Without a Sponsor?

The U.S. government recognizes many different humanitarian grounds for immigration. If you qualify under one of these categories, you can obtain a visa without a family member or employer acting as a sponsor. Humanitarian visas are available to: 

• • Refugees seeking asylum
  • Victims of human trafficking (T visas)
  • Victims of sex trafficking and other violent crimes that cause substantial physical or mental abuse (U visas)
  • Victims of certain crimes who can be helpful to law enforcement or government agents in the prosecution of criminal activity (U visas)
  • Victims of domestic violence at the hands of a U.S. citizen (under the Violence Against Women Act)

Each of these categories has strict requirements, and you must prove your eligibility with documentation and other evidence. A family immigration lawyer can help you prepare the evidence you need to ensure your humanitarian visa will be processed as easily as possible. This is especially important for domestic violence victims who are eligible under VAWA. Often, a citizen will use their sponsorship as a means of controlling their victim. If the victim can obtain a visa or green card on their own under the provisions of VAWA, they will no longer be under the abuser’s control. 

Experienced Family Immigration Lawyers Near You For All Chicago Cases

Whether you need a visa, green card, or citizenship, the experienced Chicago family immigration lawyers at Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan are here to help. We have experience handling all types of family immigration cases. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. The sooner your family members obtain lawful immigration status, the more secure your family’s future will be.