Immigration Law
Family Green Card Immigration Lawyer for Salt Lake City
Family-based green cards provide lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and the ability to live and work legally in the United States. To obtain a family-based green card, the immigrant must be sponsored by a qualifying family member who is either a U.S. citizen or a current lawful permanent resident.
Which Relatives Are Eligible for Family Green Cards?
Family-based green cards are generally available to a sponsor’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including qualifying stepchildren and adopted children), as well as to the parents of U.S. citizens who are at least 21. In some cases, widows and widowers of U.S. citizens, certain orphans adopted abroad by U.S. citizens, unmarried adult children, married children, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens may also qualify.
However, even with a qualifying relationship, an application can be denied if the relative is considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, such as for certain communicable diseases, specific criminal history, prior unlawful entry or fraud, or dangerous mental health or substance-abuse issues.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder) may petition for certain qualifying relatives, as long as the sponsor:
- Is at least 18 years old;
- Lives in the United States or a qualifying U.S. territory;
- Has a qualifying family relationship with the person seeking a green card;
- Is willing to accept the legal responsibilities of sponsorship;
- Can show sufficient financial ability to support the intending immigrant.
In limited situations, narrow exceptions to these requirements may be available, but they are uncommon and usually require extensive documentation. An experienced immigration attorney can review your circumstances and help determine whether you qualify to sponsor your family member for lawful permanent residence.
Obligations of a Family Green Card Sponsor
When you sponsor a family member for lawful permanent resident status, you agree to significant, legally enforceable obligations. You must provide financial support so your relative does not become a public charge, and this duty generally continues until they become a U.S. citizen, leave the United States permanently, or pass away. The support obligation also typically ends once they have worked a total of 40 qualifying quarters (about 10 years) while contributing to the Social Security system, but it does not end simply because of divorce. During the entire period of your obligation, you must keep your address current with U.S. immigration authorities so they can contact you if needed.
If you would like to learn more about sponsoring a family member for permanent residency in the United States, contact a family green card lawyer at Buhler Thomas Law, P.C. today. From our office in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, we assist clients throughout the world with a full range of immigration matters.