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Immigration Law

The United States government recognizes immigration and foreign national “short term” visits as essential to a strong America. Unlike most other countries in the entire world, the United States is a country of immigrants. After all, almost all Americans are either immigrants or the descendants of immigrants.

The bottom line is that our government supports immigration because foreign nationals strengthen our society, culture, economy, technology, educational system, science, and medicine.

Immigration Law Attorneys

Some attorneys focus their practice on immigration law with the goal of reuniting families and making the United States stronger and a better place for us all to live and raise our families. For example, immigration lawyers help foreign nationals come to the U.S. to live with loved ones, work, study, entertain, and provide culture, travel, seek asylum and protection, and invest in U.S.-based businesses.

Family Reunification

The family visa is the most common way foreign nationals come to the United States. A U.S. citizen can petition to bring his or her fiancé, spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc. to the country. Family reunification benefits the U.S. because family members are legally responsible for taking care of each other.

Business Investors and Highly Skilled Workers

Visas are also granted to foreign nationals who want to invest in and provide American jobs through U.S.-based businesses. Managers and high-level employees may enter the U.S. to run these businesses.

In addition, when U.S. companies are unable to fill high-level positions among qualified American workers, they can apply for visas for highly educated foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to work for them.

Business investors and highly skilled workers provide jobs and necessary advancements, and increase the gross national product, thereby strengthening the U.S. economy.

Other Temporary (Non-Immigrant) Visas

Immigration lawyers also help foreign nationals seeking asylum or refugee protection, wanting to travel, participate in cultural and athletic events, study, or visit loved ones in the United States.

The temporary visa holder must have ties to their country of residence and intend to stay in the U.S. only temporarily – it may be a long time, but not forever.

Green Cards

A “Green Card” (Alien Registration Receipt Card) is a golden ticket, of sorts. Permanent residents are identified with a Green Card, which grants the right to live in, work, and re-enter the United States.

Green Card status is permanent, but must be renewed every 10 years and only can be lost if certain crimes are committed or the holder chooses to live in another country.

U.S. Citizenship

Green Card holders are not U.S. citizens and, therefore, do not have the right to vote. Some, but not all, Green Card holders decide to naturalize (i.e. become a U.S. citizen).

The path to naturalization involves an application and naturalization tests (English, U.S. History, and U.S. Government). The potential citizen needs to be at least 18 years old, have held a Green Card for at least 5 years, and pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

The Foundation of Immigration Law

Federal law and the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service) regulate immigration matters. The Department of Homeland Security oversees the USCIS.

How to Find an Immigration Law Lawyer

If you want to bring a loved one or a highly skilled worker to the United States – or if you want to travel, study, invest, run a business, participate in an artistic or athletic event – or are seeking protection from persecution based upon your race, religion, social group, political opinion, or nationality – an immigration lawyer is key to your success. You can find an immigration attorney at THELAW.TV.

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  • http://www.abogadolozano.com/ Alfredo Lozano

    Immigrants have a lot to offer to the U.S. In order to be here legally, it’s important to follow certain procedures. The laws can be confusing so it’s best to have an immigration attorney that can guide you in the right direction.