Siblings often share a bond that outsiders can never fully understand. They lived through the same formative experiences and have close ties with the same family members. Though their lives may separate noticeably once they leave their parents’ homes, they may continue to provide practical and emotional support for one another for the rest of their lives.
Brothers and sisters can offer support during hardship and share in the joys of personal success. Being able to physically spend time together can be important for maintaining that connection. Those who have legally immigrated to the United States may still have siblings living abroad. They may dream of a reunion where they help their siblings enter the country to pursue a brighter future.
When can immigrants help their siblings immigrate?
Citizens can help extended family members
Family-based immigration opportunities expand as immigrants solidify their status in the United States. Those with visas generally only have the ability to support their spouses and unmarried children who are still under the age of 21 for immigration opportunities. Those with green cards may have a few more options available, such as opportunities to help unmarried adult children enter the country.
Those hoping to assist their extended families, including their parents and siblings, must become citizens. Both naturalized and natural-born citizens can petition for green cards for their siblings. They can submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requesting permanent resident status for their biological or adoptive siblings.
They must follow a specific legal process and pay a fee. Their siblings must be able to meet the standards for entry into the United States. Provided that they follow the right procedure and their sibling is eligible, they can move to the United States with a green card.
The permanent resident sibling then only needs to renew their green card every 10 years to remain in the country indefinitely. For some people, the desire to reconnect with extended family could serve as a powerful incentive to pursue naturalization.
Those hoping to assist their loved ones with immigration may need support learning about their options and executing the necessary paperwork. Bringing a sibling to the United States is possible with patience and adherence to the right procedures.
