Green Card Lawyer Midway City

Attorney Dhanjan in front of court

Things to Know Now

Attorney Dhanjan in front of court

Do You Need Immigration Assistance in the Midway City area?

Midway City is a city with a population of approximately 7383 people. Many people in Midway City are illegal but can get their Green Cards with a little assistance. Our law firm can help with all types of Green Card cases in the Midway City area. Additionally, we can also assist you with Green Cards throughout every state in America.

Understanding Sponsorship Requirements for Green Cards

In an adjustment of status application, the sponsor plays a crucial role in supporting the applicant’s case for lawful permanent residency in the United States. The primary requirement for a sponsor is to provide a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, which demonstrates that they have the financial means to support the applicant and prevent them from becoming a public charge.

Key Requirements for a Sponsor

  • Legal Status: The sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This ensures that the sponsor has a stable legal presence in the United States.
  • Residency: The sponsor must be domiciled in the United States. This means they must have a principal residence in the U.S. and plan to maintain it as their permanent home.
  • Income Requirements: The sponsor must meet specific income criteria. They need to show that their household income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. This includes the sponsor, their dependents, and the intending immigrant. If the sponsor’s income is insufficient, they may use assets to meet the requirements or enlist a joint sponsor who can meet the income requirements independently.
  • Evidence of Income: The sponsor must provide evidence of their income and assets. This can include recent tax returns, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and employment verification letters.
  • Commitment: By signing the Affidavit of Support, the sponsor commits to financially supporting the intending immigrant until they either become a U.S. citizen or have worked 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act.
  • Joint Sponsors: If the primary sponsor does not meet the income requirements, a joint sponsor can also submit a Form I-864. The joint sponsor must meet all the same requirements independently and demonstrate sufficient income or assets.

Documentation Required to Apply for a Green Card in Midway City

For an Adjustment of Status (AOS) to be successful, applicants must demonstrate bona fides, or good faith, in various aspects of their application. These are some of the key bona fides required:

Valid Entry and Continuous Residence

  • Proof of Lawful Entry: Applicants must provide evidence that they were lawfully admitted to the United States. This can include a visa stamp, Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record), or other entry documentation.
  • Continuous Residence: Applicants must demonstrate that they have continuously resided in the U.S. since their entry and during the required period preceding the application.

Eligibility Under an Immigration Category

  • Family-Based Petitions: If applying based on a family relationship, such as through a U.S. citizen spouse or parent, applicants must provide documentation of the relationship, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of a bona fide marriage. Evidence of a bona fide marriage can include joint bank accounts, leases, mortgages, and photographs.
  • Employment-Based Petitions: For employment-based applications, applicants need a job offer and an approved labor certification. Documentation might include an employment contract, employer’s letter, and evidence of qualifications or skills.
  • Other Categories: Applicants under other categories (e.g., asylees, refugees) must provide relevant documentation supporting their status and eligibility.

Good Moral Character

  • Criminal Background Checks: Applicants must undergo background checks and provide police records, demonstrating they have no serious criminal history.
  • Personal Conduct: Evidence of good moral character can include affidavits from employers, community leaders, or others who can vouch for the applicant’s integrity and behavior.

Medical Examination

  • Form I-693: Applicants must undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-approved doctor. The results, documented on Form I-693, must be submitted as part of the AOS application to show they meet health-related standards.

Financial Support

  • Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): For family-based applications, sponsors must submit an Affidavit of Support, proving they can financially support the applicant to prevent them from becoming a public charge. Evidence might include tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements.

Immigration Status Documentation

  • Proof of Current Status: Applicants need to maintain valid non-immigrant status until their AOS application is filed. This includes providing documentation of current visas and any status changes.

Collecting and organizing these bona fides is crucial for a successful adjustment of status application. In Midway City, our immigration lawyers can provide assistance in gathering the necessary documents and ensuring that all requirements are met.

What is Green Card Status in Midway City?

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), often called a “green card” holder, is an individual who has been granted the privilege to live and work in the United States permanently. This status allows the person to reside in the U.S., seek employment, and travel internationally, albeit with certain restrictions. LPRs must adhere to specific rules to maintain their status.Lawful Permanent Resident status is obtained one of two routes: either Consular Processing or Adjustment of Status. Consular Processing involves doing your immigration interview with an immigration officer from America while in another country abroad. Adjustment of Status on the other hand involves doing your immigration interview in the United States, usually without ever leaving the U.S..One of the significant advantages of being an LPR is the ability to work without needing employer sponsorship, which provides greater flexibility in job opportunities. Additionally, LPRs can travel outside the U.S. and re-enter, though extended absences may affect their residency status. It is crucial for LPRs to avoid actions that could jeopardize their status, such as committing certain crimes or failing to notify USCIS of a change of address.Moreover, LPRs have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting particular requirements, including continuous residence in the U.S. for a specified period, demonstrating good moral character, and passing English and civics tests. Becoming a U.S. citizen provides additional benefits, such as the right to vote and protection from deportation.

Green Card Application Costs: What to Expect in Midway City

The immigration fees for Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) are essential costs to consider when applying for a green card.

Form I-485

The filing fee for Form I-485 varies based on the applicant’s age and circumstances. As of this writing:-For applicants aged 14 to 78, the fee is $1,440.-For applicants under 14, filing with at least one parent’s application, the fee is $950.-For applicants over 78, the fee is $1,440, as they are exempt from the biometric fee.-Refugees are exempt from the fee when adjusting status.

Form I-130

The filing fee for Form I-130 is $675 for paper filing and $625 for online filing. This form is used by U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents to establish their relationship to certain family members who wish to immigrate to the U.S.These fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the latest updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website before filing.

Understanding Immigration Home Inspections in Midway City?

If Immigration Officers decide to do an in home inspection regarding your Green Card application, the following are your rights to keep yourself safe.

Right to Refuse Entry

Firstly, you have the right to refuse entry to immigration officers, unless they have a valid warrant signed by a judge. This warrant should specify your name and address. Ask the officers to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window to verify its validity before allowing them inside.

Right to Remain Silent

You also have the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer questions or provide information without consulting with a Green Card lawyer. Politely inform the officers that you choose to exercise this right and request to speak with a Green Card attorney.

Right to Legal Representation

You have the right to consult with a Green Card attorney before answering any questions. If you do not have a Green Card attorney, you can find one through local legal aid organizations or immigration advocacy groups in Midway City. An attorney can provide guidance on how to interact with the officers and protect your rights.

Right to Privacy

Immigration officers cannot search your home without your consent unless they have a valid search warrant. If they do have a warrant, ensure it is specific to your situation and covers the areas they wish to search. If the warrant is not valid or specific, you can deny them access.

Document Everything

Document the encounter by noting the officers’ names, badge numbers, and the time and date of the visit. If possible, record the interaction, as this can be useful for legal proceedings if necessary.Understanding and asserting your rights during an immigration home investigation can help protect you and your family from potential legal complications.

injury and immigration attorney dhanjan

Contact our Midway City Green Card Attorneys Today

SSD Law Firm PC stands out as your go-to immigration lawyers in Midway City, offering strategic legal guidance and support. Our Green Card immigration lawyers are dedicated to providing a seamless experience with a free consultation and thorough case evaluation tailored to your needs and within your own language (English, Espanol, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Lao). We understand the nuances of immigration law and are committed to helping you achieve your American dream with clear, informed, and compassionate legal representation. To get your case started, contact our Green Card Lawyer Midway City Department now.