1. Gaining Legal Status in the United States

2. 4 Ways to be in the US Illegal immigrant Obtain visa
Here for set period of time (college, tour, job, etc)
Permanent resident
Allowed to live here indefinitely with almost all of the rights of a U.S. citizen.
U.S. citizen.

3. Citizenship: 2 Ways A “gift” bestowed by U.S. government Two ways
By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents
By Naturalization

4. 5 Ways to Legally Immigrate and become a permanent resident (Green Card)

5. #1 – US citizen or Permanent Resident petition
Ask the US government to grant permanent residence to a relative
Example: Husband (who is a citizen) wants wife to gain permanent residence

6. #2 – An employer petition
Used for extraordinary employee, outstanding professor, professional with advanced degree or a person of “exceptional ability”

7. #3 - Investors
Investors with $1 million in capital and ability to employ 10 US nationals
10,000 approved per year

8. #4 - Refugees and People Seeking Asylum
Person who is "unable or unwilling to return because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion".

9. #5 - Lottery Mail in a simple application
55,000 slots available per year
Hope and pray that you get picked

10. From permanent resident to naturalized US citizen
At least eighteen years old.
A lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Resident and physically present in the United States for at least five years at the time of application.
Of good moral character.

13. Bill (US citizen) marries Sally while on vacation in England
Bill requests that US government grant Sally permanent residency (Green Card)
After 5 years, Sally becomes a US citizen