The Green Card or Permanent Resident Card allows foreigners to live and work legally in the United States, and it is also a step towards obtaining American citizenship. To obtain it, immigrants must meet a series of requirements, but what many do not know is that they can obtain it despite having entered this country illegally or working without permission.
PUBLICIDAD
Having a Green Card despite working without permission or entering the United States illegally is possible thanks to the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act.
PUBLICIDAD
La Nación explained that according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Uscis), Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), amended by the LIFE Act and legislation amendments in 2000, states that one can obtain a green card regardless of how they entered the United States, whether they work without authorization, or if they have maintained legal status continuously since entry.
The aforementioned source states that you must have “a request for labor certification (ETA 750 form) or an immigrant visa petition (I-130 form, Petition for Alien Relative; or the I-140 form, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) filed before April 30, 2001.”
Those who wish to apply for a Green Card under LIFE must complete Supplement A of form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. “In most cases, it is also necessary to pay an additional fee of 1000 dollars, in addition to the fees for the forms.”
Among the requirements of the Law of Equity for Immigrant Families are: the Labor Condition Certification (ETA-750), form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and form I-140, Petition for Alien Worker.
Eligible for Green Card under LIFE
Foreigners eligible for the Green Card under Section 245(i) must meet the following requirements:
- Be the beneficiary of a qualified immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140) or a labor certification application (Form ETA-750) filed prior to April 30, 2001.
- Being physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000.
- Be a beneficiary of a qualified immigrant petition (Form I-130 or I-140 in original, through which you are exempt under the grandfathering clause or through an immigrant petition filed subsequently) or a labor certification application.
- Having an available visa.
- Be admissible to the United States.