Can a US Citizen sponsor a foreign family member?

Can a US Citizen sponsor a foreign family member?

US citizen sponsor: 3 minutes read

There are several benefits that foriegn nationals enjoy when they go through naturalization and become US citizens. One of those benefits is that they can petition for family members that are living abroad as foriegn nationals.

As a citizen of the United States, you may help a relative become a lawful permanent resident of the United States by way of a Green Card. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to embark on this journey, such as:

You must be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) when they come to the United States.

You can only sponsor immediate family members such as:

  • Your spouse
  • Your children
  • If you are over the age of 21, you can sponsor your parents, brothers, or sisters.

Understanding the steps in the sponsor process

You will need to file an I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. This form establishes the family relationship that exists between you and your relative.

 It can also be filed with the application for permanent residence (Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence, or Adjust Status). 

You will gather evidence of your relationship

When you submit your petition, you are required to provide evidence to prove your relationship to the person for whom you are filing. 

Once the application and relationship are approved, they will be in the queue for other foreign nationals that are in the same category as them.

 For example, a father of a U.S. citizen living abroad will get in line with other fathers who are awaiting sponsorship from their sponsoring child, the American citizen.

Typically, when the petitioned relative gets to the front of the line in their category, they can file an additional form to bring their spouse or any unmarried children along with them. An immigration attorney can help explain these steps and how to go about this process.

 

US citizen sponsor

What about the timeline?

The sooner you submit your family member petition, the better off you will be. Current processing times can be found on www.uscis.gov, which is a direct way to monitor the progress of your petition.

While undergoing this process, your relative can not prematurely enter the United States in hopes of being able to stay. Your relative should remain abroad and wait to immigrate legally to the United States. 

If you are an American citizen seeking to petition for a family member to the United States, contact our experienced immigration attorneys for a complimentary consultation today. 

Next, you will gather evidence of your relationship. When you submit your petition, you are required to provide evidence to prove your relationship to the person for whom you are filing. 

Learn more about US citizen sponsor here.

Once the application and relationship are approved, they will be in the queue for other foriegn nationals that are in the same category as them. For example, a father of a U.S. citizen living abroad will get in line with other fathers who are awaiting sponsorship from their sponsoring child, the American citizen.

Typically, when the petitioned relative gets to the front of the line in their category, they can file an additional form to bring their spouse or any unmarried children along with them.

An immigration attorney can help explain these steps and how to go about this process. Consult now.

What is a Florida State Law?

A Florida State Law refers to a legal statute or provision, enacted by the Florida State Legislature and is applicable within the jurisdiction of the state of Florida. State laws are formed and passed by the legislative body, which is comprised of the Florida State Senate and the Florida House of Representatives. These laws address various matters, including criminal offenses, civil matters, taxation, education, healthcare, transportation, and much more. Once a bill is approved by both chambers of the legislature and signed by the Governor of Florida, it becomes a Florida State Law, binding and enforceable within the state.

Signed Florida State Senate Bill 264 Explained

According to the Florida State Senate and Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, recently signed Senate Bill 264, also known as “Interests of Foreign Countries,” has been enacted into law with the intention to demonstrate safeguarding the interests of the United States through restrictions on governmental entities. This specific legislation establishes rules and regulations that, according to the governor, help fortify the country’s national security and resources, by prohibiting governmental entities from entering into contracts with foreign countries or entities of concern. 

Furthermore, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expresses the importance of this law that addresses the transfer of agricultural lands and other real property interests. According to the Florida State Senate, this legislation specifically restricts transactions of domestic entities, preventing foreign principals and foreign countries of concern, including the country of China and affiliated entities and individuals, from acquiring these fundamental assets. The Florida State Senate states that this measure safeguards the United States agricultural heritage, ensuring the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources, and maintains control over crucial components of the nation’s infrastructure. In addition, proponents of SB 264, now enacted law, are an act on protecting U.S. sensitive information, introducing significant amendments to electronic health records, by mandating that health records be physically stored within the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada.  

The signed Senate Bill 264,  is a legislative initiative developed by the Florida State Senate. In accordance with Governor Ron DeSantis, strictly designed to address concerns of privacy and protection, by imposing necessary restrictions on governmental entities, ensuring controlled conveyance of real property interests, and enhancing data security and privacy measures. Through these measures introduced to be implemented, the senate’s recently proposed bill is expressed to build a future where the interests of the U.S. are protected, and the foundations of sustainable growth are firmly established. 

*The passage above is a depiction of Senate Bill 264 according to the Florida State Senate and Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis. 

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