Colorado Family Immigration Attorneys

Changing Policies Have Made Family Immigration Matters More Complex

One of the foundations of the U.S. immigration system is family unity — keeping families together — with the idea that doing so will strengthen our society and make its members more productive. Smith Knudson is dedicated to bringing families together, and once together in the U.S., to keeping them here.

While there are legal paths to bringing family members to the U.S., the immigration system is challenging and complex to navigate. We advise husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, parents and grandparents on how to achieve their short and long-term goals and provide individualized representation for each client.

The Basics of Family Immigration & Visas

Immigrating to the United States is common when a family member is a citizen or legal permanent resident. USCIS gives priority to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (USC), including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. Other family members may be eligible for a visa, but waits are often long as there are limits on the number of visas issued each year. Unmarried children over 21 of USCs, spouses and children of legal permanent residents (LPRs), unmarried children over 21 of LPRs, married children of USCs, and siblings of USCs may be eligible if they meet stringent criteria.

Additionally, K-1 visas are available to non-citizen fiancés of U.S. citizens. A USC may petition USCIS for a K-1 visa for their fiancé (and minor children, if applicable) if they meet certain criteria. Receiving a K-1 visa hinges on the parties marrying within 90 days of the non-citizen’s arrival in the United States.

Consular Process and Waivers

Not all family members can complete their immigration process inside of the U.S. Many family members will be required to travel to an interview at a U.S. consulate in a home country. Often these same family members will need forgiveness for issues in the past. Smith Knudson can provide honest advice about the best strategy for your family. When waivers are needed, our decades of experience and success ensure we prepare the best applications possible.

We Work to Help Keep Families Together

The process for obtaining a visa or green card via a qualified family relationship can be long and complicated. There are often many steps and strict requirements. The team at Smith Knudson is well-versed in family immigration and will do everything possible to keep families together and reunite families in the United States.

Get Legal Counsel You Can Trust

If you want to get a green card for yourself or a family member via qualifying relationships, please call Smith Knudson today to schedule a consultation and discuss your family-based immigration options. You may also send us an email through this website to schedule your consultation with our experienced immigration lawyers.