For one reason or another, a person may find themselves wishing to immigrate to the United States. Whether a person already has family in the states or a situation in their home country is currently driving them to emigrate away from that country, there are a variety of reasons immigration may be on the table.
With that in mind, the immigration process to the United States can be confusing for those who are just beginning to research their options. Learning everything there is to know about immigrating to the United States can allow a person to understand whether it’s a viable option for them.
What is Immigration?
For those unfamiliar with the term, the definition of immigration to another country is the process by which an individual becomes a permanent resident or citizen of a country other than their country of origin. Different countries have different requirements when it comes to immigration, meaning the process can be either easier or more difficult depending on the country in question.
For the United States, there are three main ways to become a legal resident in the country, whether for a short period of time or for a longer period of time: visas, a green card, or citizenship.
Immigrant Vs. Non-immigrants Visas
Within the United States, there are two different categories of visas that a potential visitor can consider: immigrant and non-immigrant visas. As indicated by the name, non-immigrant visas are non-permanent visas and are designed for visitors who will only remain in the country for a small bit of time. The most common of these non-immigrant visas is a B-2 visa, which is the category used for tourists, pleasure visitors, medical treatment visitors, and other similar categories.
On the other hand, a person can consider applying for an immigrant visa if they qualify, which allows for permanent residency in the United States, though renewal will likely be required in the future. The most common types of immigrant visas in the United States are for those who are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, those who are the fiancé of a citizen, those who are certain family members of citizens, and more.
The Role Of A Green Card
Going deeper down the immigration rabbit hole is the green card that is offered by the United States government. A green card, as opposed to an immigrant visa, gives the holder the total right to live and work in the United States permanently, and it can only be obtained after arriving in the United States. Green card holders do not have as many rights as citizens, though, such as being able to vote.
6 Primary Types Of Green Cards
The eligibility requirements for a green card are slightly stricter than those for an immigrant visa, but they are similar enough where a person who qualifies for the latter will likely also qualify for the former. In particular, there are six types of green cards to be aware of:
- Green Card Through Family
For those who have eligible family members, such as children of a U.S. citizen who are unmarried and under the age of 21, applying for a green card through family may be allowed. Additionally, there are other categories that fall under this category such as being the widower of a U.S. citizen or the fiancé to a citizen.
- Green Card Through Employment
For those who are immigrant workers with special knowledge or skills in their industry, have a physician national interest waiver, or are an immigrant investor with at least $1,050,000 invested in commercial enterprises, applying for a green card through employment may be possible.
- Green Card As A Special Immigrant
Immigrants who are religious workers, an Afghanistan or Iraq national of special designation, an international broadcaster working for USAGM or a USAGM grantee, a special immigrant juvenile who needs the protection of the courts, or is an employee to qualified NATO divisions, applying as a special immigrant can be possible.
- Green Card Through Refugee Or Asylum Status
Those who were granted asylum at least one year prior or who were admitted to the United States as a refugee one year prior, regardless of the reason, are eligible to apply for a green card as such.
- Green Card For Human Trafficking Or Crime Victims
Similar to the prior point, those who hold a T nonimmigrant visa that designates them as a human trafficking victim or those who hold a U nonimmigrant visa that designates them as a victim of crime are eligible to apply for a special type of green card within the United States.
- Green Card For Victims Of Abuse
Finally, those who have been abused under the Cuban Adjustment Ac or the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act, as well as those who are a special immigrant juvenile who have been abused, are eligible to apply for a green card as a victim of abuse.
Becoming A United States Citizen 101
For those who want to take the additional step towards pursuing citizenship in the United States of America after holding a green card, there are additional requirements to keep in mind. After being a lawful permanent resident for five years, a person is eligible to apply for citizenship. As a note, a person needs to have lived in the United States for 30 months of those five years. Assuming this holds true, a person can apply for their citizenship.
Complete Your Immigration Journey Today
Immigrating to the United States will be an arduous journey, but the rewards are more than worth it. Keep in mind, though, that once you are in the country you will need an action plan. This plan should include whether or not you plan to stay in the country permanently or if you are just seeking temporary asylum for a few years before moving on. Based on this, a person can determine whether or not they should pursue citizenship in the country if eligible.
