Bringing family members to the United States is a goal for many citizens, but not everyone understands that there is a preference system to who may use this immigration path. When sponsoring a loved one through family immigration, his or her relationship to the sponsor, age and marital status will all be taken into account. Sponsors and immigrants alike should be prepared to provide proof of these requirements.
For citizens or permanent lawful residents to sponsor a family member’s path to Louisiana, a certain level of family relationship must be established. This includes a spouse, unmarried children, siblings over the age of 21, parents if the sponsor is over the age of 21 and more. However, just demonstrating a relationship is not enough. Sponsors also have to prove that they can provide for the relative at a point of 125 percent over the poverty line.
Within the categories of family relationships, first preference is given to those who are children of U.S. citizens, unmarried and over the age of 21. Second preference falls to the spouses, unmarried children younger than 21 and unmarried children younger than 21 of lawful permanent residences. Married adult children of citizens receive third preference, and siblings receive fourth.
Understanding the complicated preference system for family immigration is not easy, and unfortunately some Louisiana residents may even give up if they believe their loved ones will not be prioritized. However, individuals who fall outside of the first preference category can still achieve their dreams of immigrating to the U.S. Careful attention to detail when filing the necessary documents is important, though, so sponsors should be certain that they fully understand everything before submitting.