3 Types of Family-Based Immigration Only Available to U.S. Citizens

There are many ways to legally travel to the United States. Some people obtain visas related to their work or educational pursuits. Other people come to the United States because of their family relationships. Family-based immigration allows many people an opportunity to legally live in the United States. However, the best opportunities are only available to the family members of citizens. Someone with a visa can bring a spouse or minor children with them when they enter the country in many cases.

Permanent residence may be able to help certain immediate family members who also want to live in the United States. The most robust immigration opportunities come from a relationship with a United States citizen. For example, the following family members are likely only eligible for immigration if they have a direct relationship with a U.S. citizen.

Parents

Part of parenting is making sacrifices for children. Those who have achieved professional success often recognize that their parents help them along the way. They may want to return the favor by offering their parents an opportunity to live in Comfort near their successful child in the United States. Typically, only citizens are able to secure green cards for their parents that allow them to live indefinitely in the United States.

Married adult children

Visa holders and permanent residents can sometimes help their children enter the United States. However, their children generally need to be under the age of 21. They also need to be single. Older children of permanent residents are sometimes eligible for a family preference visa. Married children cannot travel with someone who has a visa or enter the country if their parent is a permanent resident. The only way for married children of an immigrant to follow them to the United States is for their parent to naturalize and become a citizen themselves.

Siblings

Many people view their siblings as their closest friends. However, they might go years without face-to-face interactions with their siblings if they immigrate to the United States. Neither visa holders nor permanent residents typically have the ability to sponsor siblings for entry into the United States. Only citizens are able to obtain green cards for their siblings and help them permanently move to the country.

Naturalization can be an intimidating process. For those hoping to pursue family-based immigration, that effort may be worthwhile. Learning more about which family members can legally enter the United States could inspire some people to pursue citizenship to expand their options.