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Learn about the different ways you can come to live in the U.S.
Published on: Wed, 26 Oct 2005 09:44:20 GMT
Coming to America: Not unlike Prince Akeem from Zamunda (Eddie Murphy) in the movie "Coming to America," people often say "I want to come live in the United States. Please tell me what to do." There isn't one answer to that question. And among the multiple answers, none are simple. Although, if you find that one visa is a perfect match for you, it might indeed be a relatively simple process. The first question you need to answer is what is the basis for your move?
People cannot simply move to another country because they want to. You have to be coming to join immediate relatives (parents, children, spouses or siblings), to be a student, to do a job, to start a company, to invest money; you have to have a reason that is much more concrete than simply "because I want to."
So, first things first: If you don't have a basis for immigration, you'll need to choose one.
Depending on your basis, you will either be applying to come temporarily, on a temporary visa, or permanently, with the intention of applying for a green card, and perhaps eventually, citizenship.
Review all the visa, humanitarian and parole types below. If you do not qualify for any of these, your only choices are illegal immigration (a very poor choice), or the green card lottery (worth a shot because it's free to enter for those who qualify, but your chances of winning are slim, so use this as your last resort). More on this below.
Once you have decided upon your reason, or your "basis" for immigration (living in the United States permanently) or a temporary visa (living in the United States temporarily), you will need to find out whether your reason, or basis, qualifies (is "in general terms" approved by the U.S. Government). Does the government think your reason for coming to America is a good one, and do you meet the criteria (rules) for applying? If you do, you will then need to apply, and to prove that you qualify (that you can follow the rules). You can not just say "I have enough money to support myself," or "I have a job offer," or "I plan to study," or "I am going to invest money." You cannot just make promises and expect to be believed. In nearly all cases, you will need to have bonafied proof of these circumstances, and will need to follow-through with your plans. Tracking in this country was not always very good, but it has much improved since 9/11 and the government plans to continue with that improvement. This is part of the reason that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has been replaced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which belongs to the Department of Homeland Security: organization, tracking and security when it comes to foreign nationals in the United States.
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