These days about the only way to guarantee that you won’t get deported is to become a U.S. Citizen (“USC” for short). Trump and his advisors such as Stephen Miller appear determined to deport as many people as possible and to reduce all immigration as much as possible. This administration produce a new immigration “disaster” almost every day. So, how do you become a USC if you weren’t born in the U.S.? Before you can become a naturalized USC you must become a Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR” for short). There are a few exceptions to this rule. American Nationals such as those born in American Samoa can apply to become a naturalized USC without first being a LPR. Some members of the military can become naturalized USCs without first becoming LPRs. Another exception is for certain people who automatically become USCs because one parent is a USC or both parents are USCs.
Most people have to go through the naturalization process with immigration to become a USC. But most people, with the main exceptions noted above, must be LPRs for at least 5 years before applying for naturalization to become a USC. There is an exception to that 5-year requirement. A person who is a LPR for at least 3 years and is married to a USC for at least 3 years can apply for naturalization after 3 years. To become a LPR usually requires a petition from a family member or an employer. There are other ways to become a LPR such as asylum or U and T visa status for victims of crimes or trafficking or the visa lottery. But most people become LPRs through family-based immigration petitions.
These immigration processes are complicated. There is much that can go wrong. You don’t have to have an attorney to help you apply for an immigration benefit. You can apply for any immigration benefit yourself. However, it is a good idea to hire an immigration attorney. I believe it is better to hire an experienced and reputable immigration attorney to help you through the process. An immigration attorney can ask you all the right questions and investigate your case to determine if you qualify. An immigration attorney can, and should, identify any potential problems in your case. This “pre-filing” work is very important due diligence, especially today during these volatile times under the Trump Presidency.