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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.