If you’re one of the thousands of immigrants living in Illinois who have obtained citizenship and have tried to get family members to enter the United States legally, chances are you are frustrated with the wait time. You’re not alone, as the backlog has increased up to 900% for some groups awaiting admittance to the United States and a subsequent green card.
How family-based immigration works
Once you become a citizen of the United States, you can petition to legally bring family members still living in your home country to the United States. In some cases, your family member may already live here but does not have the same immigration status due to work, schooling or other reasons. The U.S. State Department indicates that nearly 4 million people are part of the massive backlog that has grown over the last 30 days, waiting to get a legal green card.
The United States classifies admittance into the country via four separate categories. Each listed decreases in importance and the number of those who can legally enter. These are:
- Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 and older of U.S. citizens
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old
- Unmarried sons and daughters over age 21 of lawful permanent residents
- Married sons and daughters of citizens
- Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens over age 21
Reuniting your family
Immigrants from some countries, like Mexico, face a longer wait time than immigrants from others. Attempting to get a family member to the United States is more difficult now than ever.
If your family member has waited for many years to get into the United States, seeking another type of legal entry may be the solution.
