Chicago Family Immigration Attorney

Chicago Family Immigration Attorney

Although the United States has a complicated immigration process, it is still a welcoming nation for immigrants. Illinois has a large community of immigrants, many from Mexico. One in seven Illinois residents is an immigrant, while over one in six workers are immigrants. Additionally, almost one-third of all Chicago metro area business owners are also immigrants. In 2018, there were 1.8 million immigrants in this state, accounting for 14 percent of the population, including nearly 80,000 children. 

Illinois Family-Based Immigration Applications

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can assist your eligible foreign family members in petitioning for citizenship and permanent residency in this country. For a foreign relative to become a legal U.S. permanent resident, they must meet the following general criteria:

Citizenship or Immigration Status

The individual applying for a visa or green card must have a relative who is either a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident here. Their relative must be able to provide documentation of their status as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and evidence of their relationship to the applicant.

Income Status

The applicant’s relative must prove their income is 125 percent above the poverty level for their entire family, including the applicant. Suppose the relative doesn’t meet this financial criterion. In that case, they can become a joint sponsor with another relative, or the applicant’s assets can be considered. If the applicant’s relative is a U.S. citizen, they must establish that the applicant is their:

• Child under 21 years of age
• Spouse
• Unmarried son or daughter above the age of 21
• Married daughter or son (of any age)
• Sibling (if the sponsoring relative is at least 21 years of age)
• Parent (if sponsoring relative is at least 21 years of age)

If the applicant’s sponsoring relative is a U.S. permanent resident, they must establish that the applicant is their:

• Husband or wife
• Unmarried child of any age

If both the applicant and their relative meet these criteria, the petitioning process then begins.

What are Family Preference Categories?

Certain family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents have preference categories when it comes to immigration. Each preference category is given a limited number of immigrant visas each year to be allowed admission into the U.S.

Relatives in these preference categories are required to wait for an immigrant visa number to become available based on the following preferences:

1. Unmarried, adult (age 21 and over) children of U.S. citizens. 
2. Spouses of legal permanent residents and unmarried children of any age legal permanent residents and their children
3. Married children of U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children
4. Siblings of adult U.S. citizens, their spouses, and their minor children

These preference categories can become confusing. The good news is that when you hire a seasoned Chicago family immigration attorney, they can help you understand what it means for your family members. 

Contact a Chicago Family Immigration Attorney

Unfortunately, the U.S. immigration process isn’t a simple one. In fact, it can take many years to complete. At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, we know how important it is to bring your loved ones to this country as efficiently and quickly as possible. We are honored to have helped so many families bring their loved ones to the U. S. and consider it our privilege to help you do the same. Not only do we have the experience and knowledge to provide high-quality legal representation to our clients, but we are also compassionate to your needs. 

We know firsthand how crucial our legal family immigration services are to our clients. Our team works uncompromisingly to bring families back together as quickly as possible on U.S. soil.

If you need an experienced and knowledgeable Chicago family immigration lawyer, contact us for a free case review. Although we are based in Chicago, our team of dedicated attorneys travels throughout the state of Illinois, as well as Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, to serve those who need our help.