immigrant

Intending family-based immigrants generally are required to show sufficient financial support from a qualified person, in order to demonstrate that they will not become a "public charge" of the United States.

Many people are confused about the legal ability to help family members become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Complex immigration laws govern the rights of individuals to immigrate, the qualifying relationships, and the length of time for processing the application.

Immigrant applying for an immigrant visa at a United States consulate abroad are occasionally denied their visa, even though U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service approved the visa petition.  This creates confusion and disappointment, and sometimes even separation of families.