Miami And Naples Family Immigration Lawyers

Family-based immigration is a vital pathway for individuals seeking to reunite with their loved ones in the United States. Through this process, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor their family members to obtain a green card, paving the way for them to live and work in the country.

At the Law Offices of Sandra Echevarria, P.A., our experienced immigration attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience in guiding you through this challenging process, ensuring a smooth and successful journey. Our extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and regulations enables us to navigate even the most complex cases and reunite families in America.

If you’re a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, it’s possible for you to bring eligible family members to the U.S. To accomplish this, they need to apply for a family-based immigrant visa, paving their path toward becoming lawful permanent residents. There are a few options available, including:

• Fiancé(e) visas (K-1 visa): This visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States. The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival. Following marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card.
• Family-sponsored green cards: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for certain relatives to receive a green card. Immediate relatives, such as spouses, parents and unmarried children under 21, have special priority.
• DREAM Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): This program provides certain undocumented individuals who came to the U.S. as children the opportunity to apply for deferred action and work authorization. While not a direct path to permanent residency, it can offer temporary relief.
• Hardship waivers: These waivers can help individuals overcome certain grounds of inadmissibility, such as unlawful presence, if it can be demonstrated that denying the waiver would result in extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

Each immigration case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to explore the best options for your family’s circumstances.

Which Family Members Are Eligible To Apply For A Green Card?

If you’re considering sponsoring a family member for a U.S. green card, it’s important to know which relatives are eligible. The U.S. immigration system allows certain family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to apply for a green card. Here’s a quick guide:

• Spouses of U.S. citizens: If you’re legally married to a U.S. citizen, you’re eligible to apply for a green card.
• Unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens: This includes biological children, adopted children and stepchildren.
• Parents of U.S. citizens (if the citizen is at least 21 years old): Both mothers and fathers are eligible.
• Siblings of U.S. citizens: This category has limitations and often involves a waiting period.
• Certain family members of green card holders: Spouses and unmarried children of green card holders may be eligible, though there are annual limits and potential waiting periods.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other factors, such as criminal history or immigration status, can impact eligibility. For personalized guidance, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys. We’re here to help you understand your options and navigate the immigration process with confidence.