Family Immigration in South Florida

The family immigration process is incredibly complex. There are numerous filing options available, and choosing the right one is necessary for your success. Reach out to a family immigration lawyer at The Santos Law Offices today to go over your options and develop the best legal strategy.

Family Petitions

Your South Florida family immigration lawyer will review your case and then file the necessary petitions. Petition options include:

Form I-130: Visa Petition for Immediate Relative
Form DS-117: Returning Resident Visa
Form I-485: Application for Lawful Permanent Residence
Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization
Form I-864: Affidavit of Support
Your attorney can also file for a visa if you were the victim of a violent crime or domestic abuse. Contact your attorney to find out which petition is right for your situation.

Family Sponsorship For Green Cards

Numerous people reunite in the United States by sponsoring family members for green cards. If you are a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen, you can file Form I-130. The USCIS will review your petition, and if it’s approved, one of two things will happen. First, your family member might be able to apply for a green card right away. Second, the family member might have to wait for a period of time until there’s a visa number available. This can be a long process, but your attorney can help expedite it.

If you are a permanent legal resident, you can sponsor unmarried children and your spouse. However, if you are a U.S. citizen, you can also submit paperwork to sponsor your siblings and parents. Regardless of your status, you cannot use this to sponsor distant relatives.

Common Reasons For Denial

If you sponsor a loved one, he or she will undergo an interview and receive a decision. Visas can be denied for a myriad of reasons. Common reasons include criminal activity, applying in the wrong category, and not providing the proper information.

Fortunately, you can increase the odds of approval by hiring a South Florida family immigration attorney. Your attorney can ensure that the proper paperwork is filed and contains all supporting documents. Also, the attorney can review the criminal history and provide mitigating evidence if needed. If the application is still denied, your lawyer can then take additional steps to help your family member come to the United States.

Citizenship And Naturalization

Your South Florida family immigration lawyer can also help you through the citizenship and naturalization process if you wish. Once approved, you will be a legal U.S. citizen, with all the same rights as those granted to natural-born citizens. Also, once you’re granted citizenship, you no longer have to worry about deportation. This is a relatively long process, so it’s wise to start as soon as possible.

Inadmissibility Waivers

If your immigration status or visa is rejected, you might be eligible to file for inadmissibility waivers. Then, you can remain in the United States if you’re approved. You have to prove that leaving will cause undue hardship to a family member who is a lawful legal resident or a U.S. citizen. Your South Florida family immigration lawyer will gather all necessary supporting documentation to include with your application to increase the likelihood of approval.

Why Choose Santos Law Offices