Many people aspire to immigrate to the United States. There are a lot of reasons to immigrate, including reuniting with family, embracing business opportunities and seeking education.
If you are interested in pursuing legal residency in the U.S., you will need a green card. A green card is a legal document that identifies you as a permanent resident and grants you the ability to live and work in the U.S.
American laws are constantly changing and updating, and the laws concerning immigration can easily confuse anyone. To ensure that you aren’t taking action after being informed about outdated laws or myths about green cards, it is important to do some research regarding some key points of the green card process.
Myth: You’ll never get a green card with a criminal record
While it’s true that a criminal record can greatly harm your chances of getting a green card, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. For example, having a misdemeanor such as a DUI may not bar you from getting a green card – the success of a petition often depends on the leniency exercised by an immigration judge. On the other hand, having multiple misdemeanors or felonies on your record may result in an unfavorable outcome.
Myth: You can get a green card only one way
Many people seek green cards in order to pursue work and education. It is also possible to seek help from family members who are citizens or permanent residents in the States when pursuing your own residency goals.
Myth: You will lose residency status once your green card expires
Green cards expire much like a driver’s license does. You can (and should) renew your green card, but, just because it expired, doesn’t mean you’ll lose your immigration status. The purpose of renewing a green card is so that you have updated proof you can live and work in the States.
Myth: You don’t need legal help when getting a green card
Applying for a green card can be confusing. If you miss even a minor step in the process, then you may have to start from the beginning and that could mean waiting even longer for your green card. To better ensure that you get your green card, you may want to consider researching your legal rights and seeking legal guidance.