How A Green Card Attorney Helps You Get Permanent Residency

Many people think that it is an essential step to secure a Green Card attorney when applying for permanent residency. And rightfully so, a Green Card is vital to any person’s plan to settle and live in the U.S. It allows them to legally take up residency and become a U.S. citizen. Those who have been in the country for five years are also eligible to start the naturalization process. 

Having a Green Card attorney from The Medlin Law Firm help you with the process can be very helpful for people struggling with the requirements or unsure of how to proceed.

What Is A Green Card?

One of the most popular cards, the Green Card, indicates that the holder can legally work and travel anywhere in the United States. These documents are considered residence permits allowing people to permanently stay and work in the U.S.

An immigrant Visa is required to become a Green Card applicant in the U.S. Individuals can pursue citizenship after around five years if they have a Green Card. There are various Green Cards, and they are not limited to the working kind.

The State grants family Green Cards to close relatives of people currently living in the U.S. who have Green Cards. These include the parents, siblings, and spouses of Green Card holders and citizens. Moreover, the U.S. can give certain workers Green Cards based on their job. 

Humanitarian Green Card holders are victims of human trafficking, asylum seekers, and those who have undergone persecution due to their religion or nationality. These holders need a Green Card attorney should they decide to take their residency to a higher level and go through the naturalization process.

Every year, the U.S. Government grants individuals from a pool of entries received from various continents, such as Asia, Oceania, and Africa.

Although Green Cards allow people to stay and work in the U.S. permanently, they require the holder to renew their residency every ten years. Even long-term Green Card holders undergo this process to ensure that their stay in the country is compliant with existing laws.

What Is The Process To Secure A Green Card?

The process for obtaining a Green Card involves several critical steps. First, the sponsor must file for petition approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. For instance, a sponsor who is a family member living in Fort Worth TX files a petition to get their loved one to the U.S.

Individuals seeking a Green Card must first undergo a medical examination. They must also provide an affidavit of support, a document showing the person’s willingness to pay for the Green Card applicant’s expenses. This form aims to ensure that the person can have a means of support outside of the Government’s resources.

A Green Card attorney can provide guidance and legal advice regarding the various steps involved in the Green Card process. An interview is the last step before an individual receives a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

How Does A Green Card Attorney Help You With The Process?

Although it is not a requirement for aspiring U.S. citizens to hire a Green Card attorney when it comes to applying for a Green Card or immigrant Visa in the U.S., it is still crucial to ensure a smooth-sailing process. It is especially true since the process can be incredibly challenging.

Getting the proper immigration documents can be very complex. There are many ways that legal counsel can help families navigate the process.

They Prepare Clients To Meet The Criteria

Those seeking a Green Card in the U.S. must meet specific requirements. It can take a lot of work to convince a Government office to grant residency.

A competent Green Card attorney can help an individual determine whether they qualify for a Green Card privilege. They can help them establish their family’s history, employment, and refugee status. Before a person can apply for a Green Card, their lawyer must determine if they are eligible.

They Help Complete All Required Documents

When an individual wants to be eligible to apply for a Green Card, a Green Card attorney can help them through the process. They can assist in filing the necessary documents and ensure they have all the necessary support.

All applicants must have two passport-style photos. They should also have a copy of their Government-issued identity document, their birth certificate, and a certified copy of their criminal and court records. 

If they fail to maintain a lawful status after arriving in the U.S., they should provide proof of their past convictions and arrests through a court record, police report, or other Government documents. In addition to these, other documents, such as a marriage certificate or an adoption decree, are also required if applicable.

They Determine If A Familial Relationship Can Help You Acquire A Green Card

Sometimes, a relationship may not automatically qualify a person to apply for residency in the U.S. Before a Green Card attorney can file an immigration application on behalf of a client, they must first meet certain conditions. 

For instance, if a person is the nearest relative of a U.S. citizen, they must be under 21 years old, or a parent who is older than 21 years old, or the spouse of the citizen.

They Prepare Applicants For The Interview

Green card applicants have to go through an interview process. A Green Card lawyer can help them prepare for this critical step by discussing the questions that might arise during the interview.

The interviewer will likely ask about the applicant’s past. It includes whether or not they have records of arrest, marriage, or a criminal conviction. The interviewer may also ask about their current residence and other personal details.

What Is The Distinction Between A Green Card & A Visa?

The distinction between a Green Card and a Visa is when one should get it. While a Green Card is issued after an individual has arrived in the U.S., a person must obtain a Visa before traveling. These are the documents that allow people to enter the country.

Non-immigrant Visas do not allow for an open-end stay. They have a set duration, which can change due to the reason for travel, and these will eventually expire. These only sometimes lead to permanent resident status, though immigrant Visas can start the process.

The Green Card is a physical card showing the holder’s right to be in the U.S. An individual can only obtain it after arriving in the country and obtaining an immigrant Visa. Those hoping to become citizens can also pursue this type of card.

Why Is There A Need To Renew A Permanent Resident Green Card?

The Green Card of a permanent resident usually has an expiration date. However, the Government may still need to revoke the person’s status when this happens. It means they need to get a new card every ten years. Since the U.S. Government wants to ensure that all permanent residents have an updated one, they must apply for Form I-90.

It is essential to keep in mind when you must renew your Green Card as it affects the legality of your stay in the U.S. Your Green Card attorney can help ensure that you are following the necessary steps, including renewing your Green Card. 

If the deadline for applying for a lawful permanent residency is near, the person must still prove they deserve to possess a Green Card. If that doesn’t happen, they will likely lose their status and return to their country before naturalization.

Do Green Cards Work Like A Tourist Visa?

Contrary to popular belief, Green Cards are not a frequent travel pass. Instead, individuals can use them for various purposes, such as allowing people to travel in and out of the U.S. without needing Visas. New Green Card holders must follow guidelines to maintain their status in the United States.

The U.S. Government may cancel your Green Card if you plan on maintaining your home in another country. It is a legal term that means you have abandoned your residence in the U.S. You might have to start over if you want to stay in the U.S. The Government will then determine if you should get another one if you want to make the U.S. your permanent home.

Suppose you are already married to a U.S. citizen or resident but plan on living in your home country for most of your early marriage. In that case, it may be best to wait until you are ready to settle in the U.S. and apply for permanent residency.

The Medlin Law Firm has a group of competent Green Card lawyers who help various clients in Fort Worth TX. If you are someone who needs a Green Card attorney to help you process your or your loved one’s application, they have a fantastic roster to choose from. Talk to one of their staff and schedule an appointment.