Fairfax Applying Legal Permanent Residence Lawyer

A person with lawful permanent resident status in the United States holds many advantages over undocumented immigrants or those lawfully in the United States on a visa. A lawful permanent resident, also known as a Green Card holder, can apply for a job, start a business, own property, and receive government benefits.

However, obtaining lawful permanent resident status is never an easy thing to accomplish. Not every person in the United States can qualify for this status, and those seeking to obtain a Green Card must undergo a lengthy and complex application process.

A Fairfax applying for legal permanent residence lawyer can assist you with applying for lawful permanent resident status. A knowledgeable attorney could work to explain how the process works, to identify a category that may allow people to submit a successful application, and to help guide them through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements.

Why Obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident Status is Important

Over the past decade, the United States has taken a harsher stance on both lawful and unlawful immigration. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in tandem with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are constantly on the lookout for people who are not permitted to be in the United States. These can include people who entered the country unlawfully or those who overstayed a valid visa. ICE can arrest these people on the spot, and USCIS can forward to ICE information about a denied application so that ICE can initiate removal (deportation) proceedings.

The most immediate benefit to obtaining lawful permanent resident status is ending these risks. As long as a lawful permanent resident carries their Green Card on their person at all times, they should be immune from arrest upon suspicion of being unlawfully present.

Of course, holding a Green Card also opens other opportunities for lawful residents. These people are free to live anywhere in the county that they so desire. They can also take on any job that a citizen can, are eligible to receive government benefits, and can join the military. In short, being a lawful permanent resident allows individuals to live a life that is similar to that enjoyed by United States citizens. A Fairfax legal permanent residence lawyer who has offered their services in helping someone apply for lawful permanent resident status provide more information about why obtaining a Green Card is an important step in a person’s life.

Procedures in Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident Status in Fairfax

No person is entitled to lawful permanent resident status. While almost anyone is free to apply, people must meet certain criteria to qualify under the Green Card program.

A crucial first step is evaluating one’s eligibility for this process. Normally, people will have some sort of connection to the United States through family, their job, or their status as a refugee. For others, they will need to submit to a visa lottery while remaining in their home countries.

No matter a person’s qualifications for seeking a Green Card, most Green Card applicants must begin the process by having a family member or employer submit a petition on their behalf; an I-130 or I-140 petition.  After the sponsor’s petition has been approved, the prospective Green Card applicant then completes and submits Form I-485. This form requires detailed information concerning:

  • A person’s identifying information;
  • Their passport data in their home country;
  • Their past addresses;
  • Their reasons for seeking lawful permanent resident status; and
  • Any criminal history or membership in political organizations

Once this application is complete, USCIS will collect an applicant’s biometrics, including their fingerprints, their photo, and their signature. Finally, the USCIS will conduct an interview with the applicant to determine their final eligibility for lawful permanent resident status. An attorney could help guide individuals through this application process and to ensure that all data provided to the USCIS is as accurate as possible.

Contact Fairfax Legal Permanent Residence Attorney Today

Obtaining a Green Card, also known as lawful permanent resident status, is a vital first step to a better life in the United States. Not only lawful permanent residents immune to detention and removal and the basis of not having lawful status, but they can lawfully take a job, own property, and apply for government benefits.

Even so, obtaining lawful permanent resident status is never easy. For some people, they may have an existing family connection or employment that grants them priority access to the Green Card program. For others, they must submit to a visa lottery while remaining in their home countries.

No matter your situation, a Fairfax applying for legal permanent residence lawyer may be able to help. An attorney can evaluate your eligibility for this program and work with you to complete the necessary documentation to apply for a Green Card. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options for applying for lawful permanent resident status.

Fairfax Applying Legal Permanent Residence Lawyer

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