Family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for legal status based on their relationship to a family member with status. Family members who qualify for their green card will either be immediately eligible for a green card or placed on a waiting list to receive one when it becomes available.

Obtaining a green card is a multi-step process. Typically, that process starts with submitting proof to the government that you have a meaningful relationship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If that proof is accepted, then a series of additional applications are submitted before status may be granted. It’s a long petition process where professional guidance can make all the difference. 

Few situations are as heavy as being the victim of a violent crime. The Victims of Trafficking and Protections Act established the U Visa program in October 2000 –  helping women, children, and men who have been the victims of certain violent or financial crimes.

The program’s goal is to help law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute crimes, while at the same time, offer protection to victims who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse. The U Visa program is a multi-step process and often takes several years to resolve – only 10,000 U Visa are granted by the United States and more than 125,000 people are on the waitlist as of 2025. Still, the program provides victims and often members of their immediate family with a U Visa work permit and a pathway to permanent residency. 

The pathway to citizenship is diverse and involves a multi-step process. One of the most common ways to become a citizen starts when an someone already has a green card. Green card holders become eligible to apply for citizenship after a certain number of years and when they are prepared to take the naturalization exams. 

One of the final and most meaningful steps in the process is the naturalization ceremony where citizenship is formally granted. The most poignant aspect of the ceremony is when a candidate recites the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath of Allegiance embodies our nation’s principles such as supporting and defending the Constitution and laws of the United States as well as being available to perform important duties when called upon.