We assist our clients throughout the Green Card application process

Becoming a permanent resident as soon as possible is a goal for many people who come to the United States, and obtaining a Green Card is a crucial part of this process. It can help immigrants build a stable life and travel and work without restrictions. While it is common for the Green Card process to take several years, there are some options that can help a person become a legal permanent resident in two years or less. Whether this is possible depends on how the person entered the country, their current status, and any prior immigration experience.

If you are ready to apply for a Green Card or have questions about the process, contact Mi Sueño Americano at (323) 672-4423 to schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney. Our team has experience helping eligible applicants obtain a Green Card in two years or less, and we can help you understand your options and choose the right path for your circumstances.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a formal legal document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that identifies the holder as a legal permanent resident of the United States. The official name of the Green Card is Permanent Resident Card, but it is commonly known as a Green Card because the original documents were green in color.

A Green Card is typically the next step in the immigration process after someone successfully obtains a visa. There are several types of Green Card categories, including family-based, employment-based, and humanitarian options.

What benefits does a Green Card offer?

Many clients wonder if it is worth applying for a Green Card if they already have a valid visa, and the answer is usually yes. A Green Card offers key advantages and long-term benefits that a visa does not provide. One of the most important benefits is that it allows the holder to establish legal permanent residence in the United States, which includes the ability to work legally. It also allows you to travel outside the United States more easily, which can be a crucial benefit for those who wish to visit family or friends in their home country.

Being a Green Card holder also means you enjoy the legal protections of United States laws, including constitutional rights and protection from deportation, unless specific circumstances exist, such as committing a crime. Green Card holders may also be eligible for certain government benefits.

If one of your goals is to eventually bring a family member to the United States with you, a Green Card provides you with a pathway to sponsor certain relatives, such as a spouse or eligible unmarried children.

How can you obtain a Green Card?

There are many pathways to obtaining a Green Card, and the right one for you depends on your immigration goals, your current situation, and your prior experiences. Some of the most common options are family-based or employment-based immigration petitions. At Mi Sueño Americano, we know that many of our clients are looking for the fastest path to a Green Card, and we can assist in the following situations, which can often result in obtaining a Green Card in two years or less.

Adjustment of Status

Adjustment of status is one of the fastest ways to obtain a Green Card because it means you can obtain your residency here in the United States. This means you do not have to return to your home country and first go through the process of obtaining a visa. Adjustment of status can apply to various immigrant categories, including individuals who came to the United States for family, employment, or humanitarian reasons.

Entry with Visa for a Parent/Spouse of a U.S. Citizen

If you have already entered the United States with a visa and now qualify as an immediate relative, it can offer you a faster path to a Green Card. Immediate relative status means that first preference visas are already available, so you do not have to worry about quotas or waiting for more visas to open up. To qualify for this option, you must be the spouse of a U.S. citizen or the parent of a U.S. citizen over 21 years of age. Unmarried children under 21 years of age who have at least one U.S. citizen parent may also apply.

Advance Parole

Those who have Temporary Protected Status or are current beneficiaries of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) can use advance parole as a way to open a faster path to a Green Card. Once you are granted advance parole, you can leave the country and then legally reenter. This provides you with the legal entry necessary to subsequently apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status. This option may be faster than applying for a Green Card through consular processing in your home country.

Military Parole in Place

Military Parole in Place (PIP) is a discretionary immigration benefit for certain eligible family members of U.S. military service members and veterans. It allows those who are already in the United States without legal status to remain in the country and potentially apply for a Green Card. Eligible family members are spouses, parents, and some children of active-duty members, honorably discharged veterans, and certain members of the Ready Reserve. This is a significant additional benefit for those serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and more. Once a person with a qualifying relationship is granted parole status, they can apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status.

Section 245(i)

Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act is a special rule that allows some people who would not normally qualify to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country. To be eligible, you must have a qualifying immigration petition or labor certification that was filed on or before April 30, 2001. The first step is to ensure you have a qualifying petition or certification. An immigration attorney can review your history and specific circumstances and advise you whether adjustment of status under Section 245(i) is an option for you.

It is understandable to want to obtain your Green Card as soon as possible, and these options can help expedite the process for those who qualify. However, eligibility depends on your personal history and circumstances, and processing times are estimates and subject to change. If you are unsure which Green Card pathway is right for you, call our office to speak with an attorney.

What are the most common reasons a Green Card application is denied?

Understanding the common challenges that can arise when applying for a Green Card can help you know what to expect and how to respond if you encounter one of these obstacles. One of the most common reasons Green Card applications are denied is failure to submit a complete application. Seemingly small issues, such as forgetting to sign one of the pages or not including English translations of all your documents and evidence, can cause your application to be delayed or denied outright. Immigration attorneys are familiar with the common things many people forget, and they can review your application to ensure it includes everything necessary.

A Green Card application may also be denied if there is insufficient documentation to demonstrate a qualifying relationship or that the applicant is admissible to the United States. If, for example, you have prior immigration violations or a criminal record, it could be more difficult to obtain a Green Card. In some cases, an attorney can help you correct this through a waiver or other filing, but what is required depends on your specific situation.

Can you apply for citizenship with a Green Card?

If your ultimate goal is to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, obtaining permanent residence through a Green Card is an important step. Once you have been a legal permanent resident for three to five years, you can begin the process of applying for citizenship. Green Card holders who are married to a U.S. citizen can begin the process after only three years. You must also be at least 18 years old at the time of application, have basic proficiency in the English language, be able to pass the U.S. civics exam, and be a person of good moral character.

The process to apply for naturalization begins by speaking with an immigration attorney to confirm you meet the requirements and completing Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization. You will have an immigration interview, where you can demonstrate your knowledge of English and take the civics exam. Once everything has been processed, you will take your Oath of Allegiance and be granted naturalized citizen status.

How can a Green Card attorney help you?

Determining your Green Card eligibility and choosing the right path can be challenging, but the law firm Mi Sueño Americano is here to help. Working with an immigration attorney can help you streamline the Green Card application process by determining the fastest possible route and helping you identify and gather the necessary supporting evidence to submit a complete and accurate application. An attorney can also help you manage deadlines, prepare for your immigration interview, and address any issues that may arise, such as a Request for Evidence.

When you work with Mi Sueño Americano, you gain the benefit of an experienced attorney who can offer you personalized legal advice based on your immigration goals and history. If you would like to learn more about Green Card eligibility and the fastest possible pathway, contact our office at (323) 672-4423 to schedule a consultation. We will answer your questions and discuss with you what you can do to begin this process.