Parents usually want to help their children thrive. They make personal sacrifices to give their children every opportunity possible. The needs of children often dictate a parent’s schedule and even what career they pursue.
As parents achieve success and reach some of their personal goals, they may aspire to share their success with their children. Those who have legally entered the United States may hope to share that good fortune with their children.
Parents can frequently extend family-based immigration opportunities to their children. When can a parent help their children legally enter the United States?
When they have a visa
Family-based immigration is available even to those who enter the country temporarily. Individuals with employment or student visas can typically bring their immediate family members with them.
Those who secure visas can usually also apply for visas that allow their spouses and children to travel with them. The children generally need to be under the age of 21 and unmarried to qualify for a visa related to a parent’s visa.
When they obtain a green card
Becoming a permanent resident comes with a number of privileges. Permanent residents have less immigration paperwork to file. They have more protections and rights than those with visas.
One of those rights is the option to support family members when they seek to enter the country with green cards. There are family preference visas available that can lead to children of permanent residents getting their own green cards.
Unmarried children under the age of 21 have the highest priority consideration. Permanent residents can also frequently help unmarried children who are over the age of 21 obtain green cards as well.
When they become naturalized citizens
Naturalization allows a permanent resident to become a citizen. They can then vote and may even be able to run for certain political offices.
They also enjoy expanded immigration opportunities for their families. Citizens are the only ones who can help married adult children obtain green cards. They can also pursue immigration opportunities for their minor, unmarried children.
Parents hoping to reunite with their children through family-based immigration may need help evaluating their options. Becoming a permanent resident or citizen may be worth the effort for those hoping to help their children legally enter the country.