When an immigrant faces deportation to their home country, they might be able to remain in the United States if they can successfully apply for legal permanent residency, otherwise known as a green card. The United States has several pathways for eligibility, so an immigration removal attorney may help a person understand which route is best for them to take to avoid deportation.

Employer Sponsorship

Several types of visas allow employers to sponsor immigrants to gain legal entry into the United States. The immigrants who may be eligible include:

• Workers with extraordinary ability, such as researchers or athletes with proven success in their field
• Skilled professionals and trained laborers
• Workers with special designations, such as broadcasters or religious workers
• Immigrant investors

It may be possible for an immigrant who enters the United States under employer sponsorship to adjust their status to legal permanent resident. An immigration attorney can explain how this process works and offer guidance.

Family Sponsorship

Both U.S. citizens and current green card holders can sponsor family members in order to help them avoid deportation. A U.S. citizen may sponsor their spouse, their biological or adopted children, their siblings, or their parents who are residents of another country. A green card holder can only sponsor their own spouse or their unmarried children. If an immigrant is facing deportation and has family members with citizenship status or legal permanent residency, this may provide a path for them to stay in the United States with a green card. An immigration attorney can help them ensure that they are eligible.

Humanitarian Grounds

The United States can provide visas to shelter individuals who face hardship in their home country or even within the U.S. An immigrant may be able to get a green card if one of the following applies to them:

• They wish to apply for asylum because they would face persecution if they returned to their home country
• They are a victim of certain offenses such as sexual assault or domestic violence
• They are a victim of trafficking
• They have been abused by a spouse who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder

There are multiple avenues of support for an immigrant who is facing removal to their home country. Talking with an immigration attorney may help an individual identify the best path to apply for legal permanent residency, and the attorney can ensure that their application is submitted properly and in a timely manner. Reach out to a firm like Pope & Associates PC to see if you have a case.