Permanent residency, popularly known as a "green card", gives you the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. There are several paths to obtain it, and many people don't know which options apply to them.
Residency Through Family Petition
This is the most common category. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition for certain family members. Spouses of U.S. citizens fall into the immediate relative category, no annual visa cap, approximately 1-2 year timeline. Other family categories may have wait times ranging from several years to decades.
The U Visa, For Crime Victims
If you were a victim of certain crimes in the U.S. (domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, among others) and cooperated with authorities, you may qualify for the U visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency. This option is especially important for undocumented people who fear reporting crimes.
Consult Your Options Today
The immigration system has many paths, and the right combination of your personal situation, history, and family relationships may open options you didn't know you had. At Centro de Acción Legal we evaluate your case at no cost and explain exactly what options are available to you.