Family Immigration
Reuniting Your Family-
So You Can Continue Making Memories
At The Mays Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the profound emotional and financial strain that comes with being separated from a loved one due to immigration barriers. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident, the desire to bring your family together is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to providing expert legal services for both U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents seeking to reunite with their family members, whether through marriage, parent-child relationships, or other family-based immigration petitions.
For U.S. citizens, we offer comprehensive guidance in petitioning for your spouse, children, parents, and siblings, ensuring that every step of the process, from initial application to final approval, is handled with care and attention to detail. For legal permanent residents, we help you navigate the family preference system to bring your spouse and unmarried children to the U.S., working to streamline the process and minimize delays.
We don’t just offer legal expertise—we offer a compassionate approach, recognizing the urgency and sensitivity of your situation. Our mission is to ensure that the reunification of your family is as smooth and stress-free as possible, while providing you with the confidence that your case is in caring and experienced hands.
Family of US Citizens
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for permanent residence in the United States. The eligibility requirements and processes vary depending on the petitioner's status and the relationship to the beneficiary.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are not subject to annual visa caps, allowing for a more straightforward immigration process. Eligible categories include:
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Spouses: The legally wedded partner of a U.S. citizen.
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Unmarried Children Under 21: Children who are unmarried and under the age of 21.
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Parents: Parents of U.S. citizens, provided the citizen is at least 21 years old.
2. Family Preference Categories:
For other family relationships, the U.S. immigration system allocates visas based on preference categories, each with annual limits:
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First Preference (F1): Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of U.S. citizens.
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Second Preference (F2):
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F2A: Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
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F2B: Unmarried sons and daughters (21 years of age and older) of lawful permanent residents.
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Third Preference (F3): Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens.
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Fourth Preference (F4): Brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens (the petitioner must be at least 21 years old).
3. Fiancé(e) Visas:
U.S. citizens can petition for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa to bring their foreign national fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)'s arrival.
Recent Updates:
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Keeping Families Together Initiative (August 2024): The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a process allowing certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens residing unlawfully in the U.S. to request parole in place, enabling them to apply for lawful permanent residence without leaving the country.
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Social Media Account Review Proposal: As of March 2025, a new policy has been proposed requiring applicants for green cards, U.S. citizenship, asylum, and refugee status to provide their social media account information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for vetting purposes.
It's important to note that immigration laws and policies can change, and processing times may vary. Consulting with an experienced immigration attorney and referring to official resources like USCIS and the Department of State is advisable for the most current information.
Family of Legal Permanent Residents
(Green Card Holders)
Legal permanent residents (LPRs), also known as green card holders, have the ability to petition for certain family members to join them in the United States. The process is slightly different than that of U.S. citizens, as LPRs are subject to annual visa caps and preference categories for certain relatives. At [Law Firm Name], we help guide legal permanent residents through the necessary steps to reunite with their loved ones, whether they are spouses, children, or other eligible family members.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Spouse and Unmarried Children (Under 21)
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Spouse: A legal permanent resident can petition for their spouse to come to the U.S. under the second preference (F2A) category. The spouse must be married to the legal permanent resident and meet specific immigration requirements.
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Unmarried Children (Under 21): Legal permanent residents may also petition for their unmarried children who are under the age of 21 under the F2A category. The children must remain unmarried and under the age of 21 at the time of petition approval.
2. Unmarried Children (Over 21)
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F2B Category: If the child is over 21 years old, they are eligible to be petitioned under the F2B family preference category. However, there is a longer waiting time due to annual visa caps for this category.
Recent Updates:
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Priority Dates and Visa Bulletin Changes (2024): The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin continues to influence processing times, with updates affecting priority dates for family-based immigration under the F2A and F2B categories. Legal permanent residents should be aware of the changing dates to track the progress of their petitions.
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Adjustment of Status Process Simplified (January 2025): U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced new streamlined processes for adjustment of status for the spouses and children of legal permanent residents, allowing them to stay in the U.S. while awaiting their green cards. This can significantly reduce processing times for individuals already in the country.
We provide expert assistance for U.S. legal permanent residents who wish to bring their families together. Our compassionate and professional team will guide you through the family-based immigration process, ensuring that you understand each step and are fully supported in bringing your loved ones to the U.S. as smoothly and efficiently as possible.