Most parents want to give their children the best future possible. Living in a safe and stable location is crucial to the overall health and well-being of an individual. Especially when a family is from an unstable or economically underdeveloped country, relocating to another nation can be an important opportunity for the family.
Parents may want to help their children legally enter and live in the United States. Doing so can provide them with educational and employment opportunities and may help them develop important relationships. What are a few of the different ways that parents can help their children legally enter and live in the United States?
With a visa
Parents who qualify for visas can often obtain visas for their children as well. Most visa programs have subordinate visas available for the spouses and children of the initial visa applicant.
A visa holder can enter the country with their children if those children are under the age of 21 and have not married. Children who have visas associated with a parent’s visa can usually renew the visa as many times as their parent can.
With a green card
Parents who are permanent residents can help their children enter the United States. The family preference visa program allows a permanent resident a chance to reunite with their children.
There are two preference categories for the foreign national children of permanent residents. Unmarried children under the age of 21 have slightly higher priority. Unmarried children over the age of 21 can also potentially qualify for green cards when one of their parents lives in the United States as a permanent resident.
With citizenship
People who are natural-born citizens or who become naturalized citizens have the best family immigration options. A citizen is the only person capable of helping a married daughter or son enter the United States.
The biological and adopted children of the United States citizens can potentially secure green cards and enter the country legally as permanent residents. Some parents may even decide they want to naturalize specifically because they want to reconnect with their children.
Learning more about family-based immigration can help people support their loved ones. Immigrants in a variety of situations may be able to help their children legally enter the country.