Individuals who are not legal citizens of the United States may be able to adjust their status. Some people may wish for this opportunity for their whole lives. When the opportunity comes, they will want to take this chance. This process can be quite grueling due to the number of steps involved. However, it can be worthwhile in the end. To adjust your status, you will have to file a petition for the adjustment of your status.
What do the steps include?
After filing the petition for adjustment, there may be a long road ahead until you can potentially be approved. These steps can include biometrics, a medical examination and a formal interview. Biometrics includes multiple processes that are used to identify individuals and their history. There needs to be a criminal background check based on your identity. Immigrant applicants will participate in this process. During a biometrics appointment, individuals will need to get fingerprinted and photographed. This is all to prove their identity and check their background. If applicants are from developing countries and do not have the proper documentation to prove their identity, their DNA may be taken to make up for this lack of documentation. If the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen, they may have to validate their marriage through proof of documentation.
Other aspects of the process include a medical exam and an interview. The medical exam is in place to ensure that you are not carrying communicable diseases. During this exam, there will be a review of your immunization records and any physical or mental disorders stated in your medical history. The interview process is something that an immigration attorney can prepare you for. They can help you prepare by providing you with examples of questions you may be asked.
What can jeopardize my petition?
The process that you go through to adjust your status can be affected by certain situations. Crimes on your record can be harmful to the process. It may cause the process to be delayed or even prevent the whole process from being completed depending on the seriousness of the crime. It could bring the process to a halt so that you are unable to adjust your status. If you decide to leave the U.S. during the period of time when your application is pending then this may negatively impact the process. It may be best to remain in the country to not interfere with the completion of the process.
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. If you have any questions regarding immigration law matters, please contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and schedule your initial consultation with our firm today.