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Everything You Need to Know About Green Cards

by | Mar 18, 2022 | Firm News

All of Your Green Card Questions Answered

What is a green card?

A green card is an immigration document attesting that the holder is a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Why should I apply for a green card?

Having a green card grants you lawful permanent status in the U.S., making it possible for you to work, attend school, travel outside of the country, and re-enter the country legally. These opportunities can increase your personal freedom and transform your life.

Getting a green card may also help your family become lawful permanent residents too. Once you have your green card, you can petition family members, including children, spouses, parents and siblings.

Most importantly, a green card provides you with a path to U.S. citizenship, expanding the ability to apply for family members and guaranteeing full legal protection and constitutional rights to you.

Learn more about naturalization, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen >

Who can apply?

If you meet any of the following requirements, you might be able to apply for a green card.

  • You have specific family members who are or were U.S. citizens.
  • You have specific family members who are lawful permanent residents.
  • You have asylum or refugee status.
  • You meet particular employment requirements and currently have legal status through employment.
  • You have been chosen in the diversity visa lottery (available to people from countries with lower percentages of immigrants to the U.S.).
  • You have held a U Visa for three years (for victims of certain serious crimes).

Review the requirements in detail > 

Where do I apply – from inside the U.S. or outside?

Both. There are two different paths: if you apply from outside the U.S., you follow a process called consular processing. If you apply from inside the U.S., you follow a process called adjusting status.

Learn more about these processes > 

What challenges will I face in the green card process?

The green card application process is complicated, and it’s always changing. Various application paths require many different forms, some of which have several versions. Some paths require all forms to be filed at the same time. Others are step-by-step. Becoming confused and making mistakes in your applications can lead to delays or dire consequences — including the rejection or denial of your green card application, and a decrease in your chances of getting U.S. citizenship down the road.

How can having a trusted attorney help?

A trusted attorney — someone who is an expert in immigration law and up-to-date on its many and frequent changes — can help you navigate this challenging process. As your guide, a trusted attorney will manage your application, prevent mistakes, make sure you are prepared for any interviews, and thoroughly answer your questions along the way.

At Stouffer Law, we begin the green card application process with a detailed consultation to ensure that we understand your unique circumstances and needs. These consultations help us choose the most effective application path(s) for you and identify any red flags that might slow down the process. We work closely with you to complete and submit your application. And we stay involved through the entire process, ensuring that you know what to do when the laws change as they invariably do.  We are always there to make sure your rights are protected.

Are you interested in applying for a green card? Contact us today.