There are many options for immigrants who wish to legally stay in the United States. Many people qualify for visas based on humanitarian status, educational plans or employment. There are also many family-based immigration options for those with close family members residing in the United States.
Those who have legally entered the United States may want to stay in the country for as long as possible, maybe even for the rest of their lives. They could potentially achieve that goal by adjusting their status.
Adjustment of status is a complicated process that can have a profound impact on an immigrant’s legal rights. What happens when an immigrant adjusts their status?
The goal is permanent residency
Adjustment of status is the technical process where people who are lawfully in the United States become permanent residents. They submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must pass a background check and validate that they have entered the country legally. There may also be a review of their travel activities in recent years. Provided that an immigrant qualifies, adjusting their status leads to a green card.
What are the benefits of a green card?
Individuals with green cards are permanent residents. They can potentially remain in the United States for the rest of their lives. They only have to renew their status once every 10 years. That saves time and money compared with the cost of renewing visas every few years.
Additionally, visas are only eligible for a set number of renewals in most cases. Adjusting an immigrant’s status to secure a green card helps ensure that they can remain in the United States when they can no longer renew a visa.
They can also expand their opportunities to sponsor loved ones for immigration. They have fewer restrictions on their economic activity and international travel. Green card holders are also less vulnerable to removal efforts than visa holders.
Securing a green card is often a critical step on the path to naturalized citizenship. Immigrants hoping to adjust their status typically need to physically be in the United States. They have to comply with paperwork requirements and cover specific costs.
Securing assistance when seeking a green card can help streamline the process. Immigrants who wish to remain in the country may need to trade in their visas for green cards eventually.