The U.S. Department of State stopped issuing immigrant visas for nationals from 75 countries on Jan. 21, 2026. This new rule halts green card processing at U.S. embassies abroad. Officials say they need time to review how they screen for public charge risks. The...
A green card is a permanent resident card. It identifies an individual as a foreign national who has long-term authorization to remain in the United States. Although the name of the document implies that it lasts indefinitely, a green card is typically only valid for...
For many immigrants, naturalization is the final step in the process of becoming an American citizen. After entering the country with a visa and then obtaining a green card, they eventually pursue citizenship. Naturalized citizens have the same rights as natural-born...
There are numerous reasons why people seek to get a green card. One of them is marriage. If someone marries an individual who is a U.S. citizen, that can help open the door for them to obtain a green card. That green card, in turn, allows them to stay in the United...
Marriage is often seen as a turning point that simplifies many aspects of life, especially when it involves partners from different countries. It can feel reassuring to believe that love alone may remove legal uncertainty. In reality, immigration law treats marriage...
Becoming a legal citizen of the United States is a complicated process. Immigrants must live in the country legally for years to be eligible for citizenship. They must submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They must pay...
Close family relationships frequently provide the basis for immigration. People who have visas or green cards can help their loved ones enter the country lawfully. Immigrants who become naturalized citizens have even broader opportunities to assist their loved ones....
When people are told that they may need to go to a green card marriage interview, they start wondering what types of answers they need to give to pass that interview. They may even think of it similarly to a naturalization test. They imagine that they are going to be...
The naturalization process is how an immigrant becomes a citizen of the United States. Immigrants must pass an extensive background check validating that they have good moral character if they intend to naturalize. They also need to attend an interview where they...
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) gives temporary protection from deportation and lets people work legally in the United States. However, DACA doesn't give a person full, lawful immigration status. Because of this, leaving the United States requires...
