Family Based Petition

The Miami immigration attorneys at Ferrer Shane Gonzalez take enormous satisfaction in being able to reunite families on U.S. soil. Often, these reunions are the result of years of effort and a great deal of stress. Working with a lawyer who has experience with family-based petitions for immigration can make the process much easier.

If you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., then you may be able to sponsor certain family members who are foreign nationals to join you in America. The law places numerous restrictions on this benefit, and only a certain number of these applications are granted each year. This is why it is critical that you work with someone who understands the process from beginning to end. Your efforts, time, and money are less likely to be wasted when an experienced immigration attorney is on the case.

Who Is Eligible for a Family-Based Petition?

If you are a U.S. citizen, then you may be entitled by law to sponsor some of your relatives to legally enter the country. The law says that you may petition on behalf of your parents, siblings, spouse, and children whether they are adults or minors. Further, U.S. citizens are able to petition on behalf of a fiancé who is a foreign national.

People who have green cards similarly may sponsor certain relatives to join them in the U.S. However, the list of eligible relatives is much more restrictive as it only includes spouses and children whether they are adults or minors. Of adult children, only those who are unmarried qualify for a family-based petition.

The Family-Based Petition Process 

As with all immigration proceedings, the family-based petition process is complex. A great deal of paperwork and documentation must be compiled, completed, and submitted. Mistakes or omissions on these submissions can derail the application, resulting in an even longer wait. This is just one of the reasons why it is advisable to work with the Miami immigration lawyers at Ferrer Shane Gonzalez.

The sponsoring relative begins the process by filing Form I-130, which is the petition for family-based immigration. Within the filing, the sponsoring relative must provide documentation that proves their relationship to the foreign relative.

An Affidavit of Support is also required. This document proves that the sponsoring relative will be able to support the immigrating family member at 125 percent above the U.S. poverty line. Once again, this Affidavit must be carefully drafted, so it is recommended that petitioners seek the assistance of an immigration attorney before they file any paperwork with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Contact Ferrer Shane Gonzalez 

For compassionate and sympathetic assistance with all immigration-related matters, contact Ferrer Shane Gonzalez. These experienced lawyers work every day to reunite families and to resolve complex immigration issues. Don’t give up on being reunited with close family members on U.S. soil. Get in touch with Ferrer Shane Gonzalez to learn about the options that are available to you.