UNITING FamilIES THROUGH IMMIGRATION
Our Approach
We don’t just submit forms—we build cases. Our process includes:
- Honest legal assessments and eligibility screening
- Tailored strategies for overcoming delays, denials, or complications
- Clear explanations of timelines, risks, and next steps
- Responsive and compassionate service at every stage
Smart Immigration Solutions for Families
At Kennedy Law, family means everything. We specialize in family-based immigration to help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsor their loved ones—spouses, children, parents, and siblings—for lawful permanent residence. Our services are comprehensive, client-centered, and designed to make what can feel like a complicated process clear, efficient, and reassuring. We believe that family unity is a cornerstone of immigration law.
Whether you're petitioning for a relative abroad or seeking to adjust status within the United States, our firm ensures your case is handled with compassion, clarity, and legal excellence. From the initial petition to green card approval, we guide you through each step with careful attention and a commitment to long-term immigration stability. Each step must be executed correctly to avoid delays, denials, or separation. At Kennedy Law, we manage every detail with attention to detail.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR FAMILY SPONSORSHIP?
Understanding who you can sponsor is the foundation of every family-based immigration case. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) have different rights when it comes to sponsoring relatives:
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may petition for:
- Your spouse
- Your children (unmarried or married, any age)
- Your parents (if you are 21 or older)
- Your siblings (if you are 21 or older)
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may petition for:
- Your spouse
- Your unmarried children (any age)
Certain relatives of U.S. citizens—specifically spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents—qualify as "immediate relatives," meaning a visa is always available. Other family members fall into preference categories, which are subject to annual caps and waiting periods published in the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin.
SPECIAL CASES WE HANDLE
- SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status): For children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and cannot reunify with one or both parents.
- VAWA Petitions: For spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or green card holders who have experienced abuse.
- Parole in Place (PIP): For undocumented spouses, stepchildren, or parents of U.S. military personnel—and now, U.S. citizens under new DHS policy.
- I-601A Provisional Waivers: For individuals who need to waive unlawful presence before returning abroad for consular processing.
- I-751 Petitions: For those removing conditions on residence after a two-year green card marriage.
- CSPA Protections: For children nearing age 21 who risk losing eligibility due to processing delays.
HOW THE FAMILY IMMIGRATION PROCESS WORKS
Though each case is unique, most follow this general framework:
- Petition Filing (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen or permanent resident submits a petition to establish the qualifying relationship.
- Visa Availability: If your relative falls under a preference category, you must wait for a visa to become available per the Visa Bulletin. Immediate Relatives do not need to wait for a visa to become available.
- Choose a Pathway:
- Consular Processing: For relatives living abroad, the green card process takes place through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Adjustment of Status: For eligible relatives already in the U.S., the process may occur domestically through USCIS.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): The petitioner must prove financial ability to support the immigrant.
- Biometrics, Interviews, and Final Decision: The final steps include background checks, a possible interview, and USCIS or consular approval.
Important Note About Entry Without Inspection:
If your relative entered the United States without being formally admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration officer, they may not be eligible to adjust status from within the U.S.—even with an approved I-130 petition. In most cases, they will need to apply for their green card through a U.S. consulate abroad, which may trigger the need for a waiver of unlawful presence (Form I-601A). However, exceptions exist, including eligibility under VAWA, SIJS, or parole-in-place for military families. We assess every client’s unique history to determine the safest, most effective path forward.
OUR COMMITMENT
We approach each family-based case with a commitment to protecting your relationships and future. Whether you are petitioning for a spouse, child, or parent, we guide you through every step of the process with transparency and attention to detail. Our representation includes thorough document preparation, responsive communication, and careful review for accuracy to help prevent delays or denials. From initial petition to green card approval, you will have direct attorney involvement and clear guidance at every stage.
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