1. Immigration and the Law

2. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
Abolished the National Origins Formula (quota system) that had been in place in the United States since the Immigration Act of 1924.
Created Preference System (Family, College-educated, Entrepreneurs).
Still in place today

3. Preference System as of 1990
Unmarried adult sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
Spouses and children and unmarried sons and daughters of permanent resident aliens
Members of the professions and scientists and artists of exceptional ability
Married children of U.S. citizens
Brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens over the age of 21
Skilled and unskilled workers in occupations for which there is insufficient labor supply
Refugees given conditional entry or adjustment — chiefly people from Communist countries and the Middle East
Applicants not entitled to preceding preferences — i.e., everyone else

4. What makes someone “legal”?
US Citizen
Birth (the easiest way to become a citizen)
Born in the US
Born abroad to US citizens
Naturalization (the more complicated route)
Process by which immigrants become legal American citizens
How would you do on the test?

5. Naturalization Test!

6. Lawful Permanent Resident
LPR: Granted legal permanent residence in the United States, but are NOT citizens
Apply for a “Green Card” to become a LPR
May attend school, join the military, own property
May NOT vote

7. Green Card Eligibility
Family – no limit for immediate family of US citizens
Job/employment (limited # of Green Cards)
Refugee or asylum (limited # of Green Cards)

8. How long must one wait?
Different factors determine how long you must wait for permanent resident status
Date when you apply
Country of origin
Preferences for each category

9. Visas
Document that allows a foreigner entry into the US for a limited time period
Examples:
Student visas
Worker visas
Diplomatic visas
Journalist visas
Lottery

10. Becoming a citizen ain’t cheap.