Family-based immigration is one of the most effective ways for foreign nationals to legally enter the United States. Foreign professionals accepting jobs in the United States can bring their unmarried minor children and spouses with them. Permanent residents can also sponsor their spouses and children for green cards of their own.
Some people who currently live in the United States have extended family members still living abroad. They may hope to reconnect with those loved ones by helping them enter the United States. When can immigrants who are lawfully in the United States help their siblings still living abroad join them?
Only citizens can assist siblings
While siblings may have a close bond that persists for the entirety of their lives, they often do not share households with one another after reaching the age of majority. As such, they do not qualify for immigration opportunities as dependents or household members of permanent residents or those with student or employment visas.
However, they may be eligible for green cards through the family preference visa program. Only United States citizens can sponsor their siblings for family preference visas and green cards under current immigration policies. Permanent residents hoping to assist their siblings still living abroad may need to pursue naturalization to become citizens if they hope to pursue a family preference visa for their brothers or sisters.
Both the naturalization process and the application process for family preference visas can be overwhelming for many immigrants. Working with an experienced family immigration attorney can help people understand their options and take the right steps to support foreign family members who want to immigrate.