Immigration

Immigration to the United States is based upon the principles of family reunification, skilled workers,  refugees, and diversity. 

The family-based immigration category allows U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to petition for certain family members.  Family-based immigrants are granted immigrants visas to enter and live in the United States.

The employment-based Immigration category allows employers to hire and petition for foreign nationals with specific skills. These foreign nationals are allowed to work and live in the United States for a specific period fo time, or may be granted permanent residence. There are over 20 types of visas for skilled workers, such as athletes, entertainers, religious workers, diplomatic employees, workers of extraordinary ability, highly-skilled and lesser-skilled employees.

Refugees and Asylees (asylum applicants) are admitted to the United States based upon an inability to return to their home countries because of a “well-founded fear of persecution” due to their race, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, religion, or national origin.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is granted to people who are in the United States but cannot return to their home country because of “natural disaster,” “extraordinary temporary conditions,” or “ongoing armed conflict.” 

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, an individual must have had a green card for at least three or five years,  be at least 18-years-old, demonstrate continuous residency, demonstrate “good moral character,” pass English and U.S. history and civics exams, and pay an application fee.