Immigration 101

Immigration 101
Here are a few key topics that are important to understanding the basics of immigration in the United States.

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Important Government Offices to Know

Green Card

A Green Card, or a Permanent Resident Card, gives official immigration status in the U.S. and certain rights and responsibilities, including the right to work.
You are eligible for a green card if you are being sponsored by a family member, employer, or other circumstances which can be found here: www.uscis.gov/greencard/eligibility-categories
If you are eligible, normally, you just need two forms: a green card application form and an immigrant petition must be filed by a sponsor or petitioner for the person obtaining the green card. Although, in some circumstances, other forms are necessary.
After the petition is approved by the USCIS, the process continues with the green card application which includes fingerprints, photos, records, and an interview.
USCIS can either approve or decline the application, and if approved, the green card is valid for 10 years.
More information on green cards can be found here: www.uscis.gov/greencard

https://www.bustle.com/articles/3671-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca-anniversary-and-the-state-of-immigration-reform

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was a policy announced by the Secretary of Homeland Security on June 15, 2012 that stated that under certain circumstances, children may request for deferred action from removal or deportation. DACA does not provide legal status.
To be eligible, you must meet the all qualifications below:
- You were under age 31 before the date of June 15, 2012
- You came to the U.S. before reaching the age of 16
- You continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- You have not committed a felony/serious misdemeanors, nor do you pose a threat to national security
- You must be in school, graduated/obtained a degree or GED, or have served in the military.
To apply, proof of all these eligibility determination factors must be provided and the following forms:
- I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- I-765WS, Worksheet
- Fingerprints, photos, records, and an interview process will be required as well.
Review of application will take up to 90 days and it’s the decision of USCIS to approve or decline, and if approved, the DACA is valid for up to two years and is subject to renewal.
More information can be found here: www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca

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Visas

To legally be within the U.S. as a non-citizen, you must have a visa or another proof of permanent/temporary residency.
There are different types of visas, so the purpose of intended travel will determine what type of visa to apply for.
Depending on what type of visa you need for your travel into the U.S., the form you fill out will be different for each type and fees and processes will also vary.
You will visit a U.S. embassy in your home country and bring your completed visa application form along will all required documents such as birth certificates, proof of the reason you’re in the U.S., fingerprints, photos, etc. You will undergo an interview process as well.
Once your application is approved, you may enter the U.S. under restrictions and limitation put upon you by your given visa.
More information on visas can be found here: travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

According to U.S. law, a refugee must meet the following characteristics:
- located outside of the United States
- of special humanitarian concern to the United States
- demonstrates that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
- is not firmly resettled in another country
- is admissible to the United States
To be considered for refugee status, you must be referred to the USRAP (U.S. Refugee Admissions Program) and once you receive a referral you will be helped with the application process and be interviewed abroad by a USCIS officer.
Family may be included in your application as long as all relations are legal with the form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.
Once interviewed, reviewed, and examined medically, families will be resettled in the U.S. with careful consideration of keeping them together upon resettlement.
Cultural training and medical and cash assistance will be given to upon arrival as well. Entering the U.S. as a refugee, you are granted permission to work upon arrival with the completion of an EAD (employment authorization document).
After one year of entering with refugee status, you may apply for a green card with the form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status.
More information can be found here: www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/refugees