By Tedia Gamino
If you’re like many people, you’re wondering whether the number of refugees impact the number of immigrants allowed to come to the U.S.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, it doesn’t. The same number of immigrants will be accepted into the U.S., regardless of how many refugees from the conflict in Syria are admitted.
Immigrants’ paperwork will continue to be processed – in fact, different agencies handle refugees.
The most common path to U.S. citizenship remains through the green card and naturalization.
If you have had a green card for least 5 years, you must meet the USCIS requirements, which include:
- Being 18 (or older) when you file
- Living within the state or district in which you are applying for 3 months before applying
- Having lived in the U.S. continuously for the past 5 years and having been physically present for at least 30 months within that time
- Being able to read, write and speak English, and up having an understanding of U.S. history and government
- Being a person of good moral character who is attached to the principles of the Constitution
Naturally, there are many other ways immigrants can receive legal status in the United States.
How Many Immigrants Are Permitted to Enter the U.S. Each Year?
Immigrants currently make up just under 14 percent of the U.S. population. The USCIS establishes a per-country limit on family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas each fiscal year. Currently, no more than 7 percent of visas can be issued to people from the same country in one year; no more than 2 percent may be issued to any one dependency of an independent country.
Are You Interested in Immigrating to the United States?
As Milwaukee immigration lawyers, we may be able to help smooth out the entire immigration process for you. Many people find that it’s easier to rely on an attorney to answer questions, find and file the correct paperwork, and explain the process.
If you need help immigrating to the U.S., call us at 414-383-6700. If it’s easier, you can also reach out to us online. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and assist you with the immigration process.
