Family-based immigration can feel complicated when the system is slow, and every form matters. With 20+ years of combined experience and millions secured for families nationwide, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.
Contact Gonzalez Torres Law today to speak with your Alpharetta immigration lawyer. Our bilingual representatives are available to communicate with you in English or Spanish.
Who Qualifies for Family-Based Immigration in Alpharetta
Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to help relatives come to the United States legally. The rules for eligibility depend on your relationship to the family member you want to sponsor. Each category has its own timeline, application process, and limitations based on immigration law.
Immediate Relatives vs. Preference Categories
There are two primary categories of immigration for families. Those involving preference categories and those involving immediate relatives. Immediate relatives might include parents of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under the age of 21, and spouses.
These individuals are not subject to annual visa caps under 8 U.S. Code § 1151(b), which often leads to faster processing times. Other relatives, such as adult children and siblings, fall under preference categories that are limited by visa quotas and may involve multi-year wait times.
Sponsoring a Family Member as a Green Card Holder
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can still sponsor close relatives for immigration. You may petition for your spouse and unmarried children, but unlike U.S. citizens, you are not able to sponsor parents or married children. These cases are subject to annual visa caps and require careful preparation to avoid unnecessary delays.
In all cases, sponsoring immigrants involves more than just filing forms. You must also meet income requirements to support your relative and submit documentation showing that your family member will not become a public charge. Our team will help you prepare a complete petition that meets every legal requirement while guiding your family through each step of the process.
What to Know About Marrying an Undocumented Immigrant in Alpharetta
Marriage to an undocumented immigrant does not automatically provide a path to legal status. Whether your spouse can apply for a green card depends on how they entered the United States and whether they have prior immigration violations. These cases require careful legal review before filing anything with the government. Factors that influence whether adjustment of status is possible include:
- Legal entry with a visa versus entry without inspection
- Length of unlawful presence in the United States
- Prior deportation or removal orders
- Use of fraudulent documents to enter or work
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Pending immigration court proceedings
- Prior immigration applications or denials
- Eligibility for an I-601A hardship waiver
- Possible triggers under 8 U.S. Code § 1182(a)(9)(B)
When it comes to marrying an undocumented immigrant, our team understands that every family’s story is personal. We listen carefully to your concerns, review your spouse’s full immigration history, and identify the best strategy for your case. An Alpharetta family immigration attorney with Gonzalez Torres Law will guide you through each step with compassion and precision.
Contact a Family Immigration Lawyer in Alpharetta Today
You do not need to handle immigration issues on your own. Your family immigration attorney in Alpharetta with Gonzalez Torres Law will review your case, explain your options, and prepare a strong petition from the beginning. To get started, contact us today and schedule a confidential consultation with our team by calling (770) 475-8186.