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Legal Guide US
Immigration Law

Miss
Liberty, a symbol of
hope to US immigrants
since the 19th century.
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Why do so
many people immigrate to the US?
It may be
as simple as joining other family members who are US citizens,
a journey toward a better life with increased economic opportunities,
or as stark and desperate as escaping from persecution for political
or religious views.
The United
States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) often operates
under a confusing net of strict regulations. Anyone who plans
to move to the United States to live and work must navigate this
maze.
The laws governing
work visas and green card applications vary depending on where
you currently hold citizenship. After living the US for several
years, many green card holders take the next step of applying
for permanent citizenship, posing its own set of applications
and required documentation.
Requirements
of citizenship
No matter
what your country of origin, the basic qualification for any applicant
for US citizenship is proof that they are "of good moral
character" a requirement that encompasses such issues
as timely payment of taxes, a clean criminal record and, above
all truthful responses to questions asked on the application
form.
Unfortunately,
a single innocent mistake may raise a "red flag" with
immigration officials, resulting in a frustrating delay of months
or even years before applying for US citizenship with success.
Seeking
help
Many people
who plan a permanent move to the USA get through the paperwork
without professional assistance.
However, lawyers who specialize in immigration law can offer help
with required ID's, photos, and other documents, and assist with
any required paperwork to smooth the way to citizenship.
More
about immigration & legal resources around the Web: Immigration
and Naturalization Service - The official US government site provides
immigration forms, the laws and regulations, a guide to obtaining a green card
or naturalization and much more to help get the process started and completed
successfully.
United
States Citizenship and Immigration Services - Another
government site with good information on the topic as well as
tourist, student, or worker visas, and intercountry adoptions.
How
to Get a Green Card - Information from Mahalo on U.S.
citizenship and immigration procedures on how to receive a green
card with basic information that is easy to understand, including
a directory of related resources for further information.
Diversity
Immigrant Visa Program - the Green Card Lottery - Forms,
information, fact sheets, and related resources for this program
offering 50,000 permanent resident visas from countries with low
rates of immigration to the United States.
Federation
for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) - History of U.S. Immigration
Laws - Information on various immigrant group's origins
throughout the past century.
In
Focus: The Immigration Debate - Information on current
immigration laws and related controversies.
also
in Home Legal Advisor -> Adoption
The
information provided on these pages is intended as reference only and does
not constitute professional legal advice.
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