Atlanta is a progressive city that welcomes all people in the hopes of fostering community and international interest. It appreciates immigrants willing to be upstanding citizens and do their part in enriching the culture and diversity of the city.
Although not all immigrants are permanent residents of the country. If you are an immigrant or a foreign national confused about your residency status, these steps below may help you avoid deportation.
Change your non-immigrant status
People can enter the United States (U.S.) through work and student visas. These are temporary visas, and therefore the government may assume you are a non-immigrant with no intention to migrate to the country. If you decide that you want to live here permanently, you should try to apply for an adjustment of status and begin the process of applying for permanent residency.
Apply for permanent residency
Immigrants can apply for a green card, which entitles them to permanent residency upon approval. You can check if you are eligible for a green card application. The two easiest ways you can apply for an adjustment of status are through a family-based immigration petition or an employment-based petition.
A green card is the first step toward naturalization.
Apply for removal of conditional residence
Someone with a conditional green card must file the renewal form I-751 also referred to as the Removal of Conditional Residence within a certain timespan. Failing to do so will give the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) a reason to deport you. An immigrant usually acquires a conditional green card when they get married, however this only entitles you to a conditional residency until you file the form and request for permanent residency. You would have to prove you entered the marriage in good faith.
Apply for asylum
To qualify for asylum status, you must prove you were persecuted, or you have a fear of being persecuted in your own country because of your religion, nationality, race, gender identity or political beliefs. Asylum relief has many benefits, including the right to employment and the right to eventual permanent residency. It is discretionary and is available to immigrants who need it the most.
Immigration law safeguards the citizens of the U.S. and foreign nationals who would want the same level of rights and protection. It has very stringent guidelines on eligibility to maintain that standard of protection. The process can be long and challenging, but with enough understanding it can give you and your family a long and rewarding life in the United States.
