Family-based immigration is one of the simplest means of legally entering the United States. People who have close family members living in the country may be able to obtain visas or green cards.
The closer the family relationship is, the more options an aspiring immigrant might have. People who enter the United States with children still living abroad may eventually wish to reunite with their progeny.
When can immigrants help their children enter the United States?
When they have visas
Parents who obtain work or student visas can request visas for their immediate family members. Spouses and minor, unmarried children can travel with people who have visas. They may be eligible to renew their visas and remain in the country for as long as their parents qualify for their visas.
When they have green cards
Permanent residents who have green cards have expanded immigration options for their families. They can potentially seek family preference visas for their children.
The highest preference category for children allows unmarried, minor children to obtain green cards. There is a lower preference category for unmarried children over the age of 21 whose parents are permanent residents.
When they become citizens
Citizens have the best immigration options for supporting their family members. Only a citizen can sponsor a married child for entry into the United States. For some parents, a desire to reunite with their children might motivate them to pursue a green card or become naturalized citizens.
Learning more about family immigration programs can help parents evaluate their options. Children are often eligible for lawful entry into the country when their parents are already in the country.