Family Immigration
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can help certain family gain status in the U.S. The first step in this process is filing a petition for the family member seeking status.
Pray Law is a family, and we understand the value of each one of our family members. We also understand the importance of keeping our families unified. Pray Law will work with you to understand what immigration benefits would be best for you and your family.
Spousal Petitions
You can obtain lawful permanent resident status if you are married to a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. The first step to obtaining legal status through a marriage is filing a petition for the spouse seeking status. This petition establishes a qualifying relationship and allows you to claim a spot in line to apply for a lawful permanent status (a Green card).
Other Family Petitions
Spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are not the only ones eligible to obtain status through family members. Children, parents, and siblings can also be petitioned for. These processes are all very similar, but the government sorts family members into different preference categories. This means that there will be different wait times for when each family member is eligible to apply for their Green card based on their preference category.
Fiancé Petitions
Fiancés (and their children) outside of the U.S. are eligible to enter the U.S. so that they may marry their U.S. citizen spouse and pursue a Green card, OR await the approval of a pending family petition and pursue a Green card.
Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian visa that allows migrants whose home countries are considered unsafe the right to live and work in the U.S. for a temporary, but extendable, period of time. USCIS may grant TPS to nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are in the U.S.
VAWA Petitions
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed to protect noncitizens who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. Abused spouses, children, and parents are eligible to independently file petitions for themselves without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process.
Victims of Crimes and Trafficking
There are visas set aside specifically for victims of criminal activity (U-visas) and victims of human trafficking (T-visas). These visas not only provide temporary status, but also provide a route apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status (Green card)