Many foreign nationals desire to immigrate to the United States and become lawful permanent residents. Often, the legal process is completed at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the person's home country.
Foreign nationals who obtain status as a lawful permanent resident based on marriage are given only conditional status if the marriage that was less than 2 years old at the time permanent resident status is granted.
Lawful permanent residents are permitted to live in the United States indefinitely. However, this permission is subject to termination under certain circumstances.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals seek to come to the United States to avoid persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
Immigration to the United States is a common, world-wide desire. Every year, thousands upon thousands of people from all over the world attempt to legally immigrate to America. The reasons vary: some come for freedom from tyranny and opression, others for economic opportunity.
The United States welcomes thousands of foreigners each year, who are coming to the United States temporarily for business or pleasure. However, many people desire to come to the United States not just temporarily, but permanently.
Individuals wishing to become lawful permanent residents (otherwise known as a "green card" holder) follow one of two pathways to obtain a green card. The first is known as "consular processing". The second, and generally much preferred way, is known as "adjustment of status".
Adustment of status is the process for obtaining permanent resident status while in the United States. The timing of processing the application for adjustment of status is often confusing.
