In recent years, immigration has become more and more common. As we all know, the United States is a traditional immigrant country. Most people in the United States can be said to have emigrated. However, we also know that the United States is the most developed country in the world. Many rich people will choose to immigrate. Many people don't know what the main immigration status of the United States is? There are mainly four types of immigration status in the United States. Before people move to the United States, it is very important to understand the differences between these four types of immigration status. Let's see which is most suitable for you?
1、 American citizen
These people are either born in the United States or apply for U.S. citizenship three or five years after becoming permanent residents. Unless citizenship is obtained through fraud, these citizens will never be deported.
Overseas people have U.S. citizenship, can work legally and are eligible for various benefits. In addition, people can guarantee that their spouses, children, parents or brothers and sisters become permanent residents, hold green cards and enjoy various basic benefits.
2、 Non immigrant
Non immigrant groups generally refer to temporary legal living, working and studying in the United States, among which the common non immigrant visas mainly include:
① Students (F-1 visa);
② Business or tourist (B1 / B2 visa);
③ Fiance (k-1 visa);
Usually, the applicants for these visas do not intend to immigrate, but only apply for visas for temporary needs. If the application is fraudulent, or the applicant overstays or violates the terms of the visa, the applicant's legal status will be changed to undocumented group.
3、 Permanent resident
A legal permanent resident (LPR) is a person who holds a 'green card'. A green card holder or legal permanent resident is a person outside the United States who obtains permanent residence and work. As proof of identity, such groups will receive a permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card.
People can become permanent residents in several different ways. For example, American employers guarantee immigration, investment immigration and so on. Of course, a small number of people may become permanent residents through refugee status or other status.
Generally, if the applicant has been a legal permanent resident and has held a green card for five years, he can apply to become a U.S. citizen and become a U.S. citizen. However, if people get a green card because they are married to a U.S. citizen, they can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years. Only obtaining a green card can not automatically become a citizen. You also need to submit an application, take an oath and take the naturalization examination before you can officially become a citizen.
4、 Undocumented foreigners
People who live in the country without permission or illegally are called undocumented groups. This means that they have no permission to live in the United States, no right to work, and no access to public benefits such as health care, compulsory education or driver's license.
Any foreign person without legal documents is at risk of being deported at any time or being forcibly deported. This has resulted in high stress and unstable living conditions of this group. Generally, there are two ways to become undocumented. One is because the legal temporary visa expires, and the other is to enter the United States without going through the port of entry.
Understanding the differences of four types of immigration status in the United States will enable you to legally immigrate and avoid deportation!