Navigating the Family-Based Immigration Process: Essential Tips and Legal Requirements

Understanding The Legal Requirements And Recent Policy Changes Is Crucial For A Successful Application

Navigating the family-based immigration process can be complex and overwhelming. This guide provides essential tips, insights into recent asylum policy changes, and information on obtaining legal assistance for immigrants facing deportation.

Understanding Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor certain family members for visas. The two main categories are immediate relatives and family preference categories.

• Immediate Relatives: Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
• Family Preference Categories: Includes adult children, siblings of U.S. citizens, and spouses and children of LPRs.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), over 700,000 family-based visas were issued in 2019.

Asylum Policy Changes

Recent asylum policy changes have affected how asylum seekers and their families navigate the immigration process. These changes include stricter eligibility criteria and expedited removal processes:

• Policy Adjustments: The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) require asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed.
• Statistics: Due to these stringent policies, asylum approvals have decreased significantly. In FY 2020, only 29,000 asylum applications were granted, a sharp decline from previous years.

Industry expert Professor Sarah Hernandez notes, “Recent asylum policy changes have created significant hurdles for families seeking safety and unity in the U.S.”

Finding the Right Support

Immigrants facing deportation require robust legal assistance to navigate complex immigration laws and policies. Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of deportation proceedings:

• Seek Experienced Attorneys: Specialized immigration attorneys can provide valuable guidance and representation.
• Utilize Non-Profit Resources: Organizations like the American Immigration Council offer resources and support for immigrants facing deportation.
• Understand Your Rights: Knowing your legal rights is crucial in deportation cases.

A study by the American Immigration Council found that immigrants with legal representation were more than five times as likely to obtain relief than those without.

Navigating the New Landscape

Recent immigration policy changes have had a profound impact on asylum seekers, altering the landscape of family-based immigration:

• Policy Changes: The introduction of the Public Charge Rule has made it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards if they are deemed likely to require public assistance.
• Impact on Families: These policies have led to increased family separations and prolonged waiting periods for reunification.

In 2020, the approval rate for asylum applications fell to 29%, reflecting the increased difficulty in securing asylum under new policies.

Contact Us Today for A Free, Private Case Review

The family-based immigration process amidst evolving policies requires careful planning and expert legal guidance. If you or a loved one is affected by recent immigration policy changes, the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino can help. Contact us today for a free, private case review and take the first step towards potential compensation and justice.

Call (631) 609-4500, or fill out the contact form at https://gaclawyer.com/contact-us/, or contact our attorneys directly by email: Steven Gacovino at Steve@gaclawyer.com or Robert Molinari at Robert@galawyer.com. We’re a partner who will fight for you and protect your rights.