Immigration law is always in a state of flux. The political pressures that shape national policy are unpredictable, and can produce sharp changes in the law.
Yet the desire to come to or remain in America remains a powerful force around the world. At the Law Office of Dennis M. Clare, PSC, in Louisville, we put our decades of experience in the service of people and companies seeking to reach their goals and even fulfill their dreams, within a very complicated immigration system.
Reach out to us by phone at 502-410-3861 for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer. You can also browse the FAQs below for preliminary information.
What are the main factors that affect eligibility to immigrate to the United States?
Historically, the U.S. has had a system that placed great emphasis on family unification. Under this system, the presence of close family members who are already in the U.S. is a big advantage.
But family immigration is only one path toward legal immigrant status. Others include:
- Employment or capital investment
- Humanitarian programs granting refugee or asylum status
- Diversity lottery, which makes 50,000 visas available annually
What role can U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents play in sponsoring family members to come to the U.S.?
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents can petition to have close relatives receive visas to come to the U.S. These visas are popularly known as green cards.
Sponsors have certain financial responsibilities for family members they sponsor, once those members arrive in the U.S.
How close the relationship must be, however, and what type of preference it confers, depend on very specific family immigration guidelines in U.S. law.
How many categories of employment-based visas are there?
Many. For temporary workers, one of the best-known programs is for H1-B visas. It is the most common program for temporary workers and brings many highly skilled professionals into the U.S.
There are also many other programs, in a range of categories. These include permanent workers, students and investors.
Get The Knowledgeable Advice You Need
Call today to arrange an initial meeting with an experienced Kentucky immigration attorney. Or, if you prefer, complete the online form.
