Family-Based Immigration Lawyers in Seattle, Washington

Carney & Marchi can help you bring your family members and loved ones to the United States. Keeping families together is at the heart of American values, and they're here to support you with legal advice and a caring touch.  

With over 50 years of combined experience in immigration law and criminal defense, their attorneys bring vast knowledge and dedication to every case. 

If you or a family member is looking to immigrate to the United States, here is a brief guide to help you understand a few terms you will likely encounter during your immigration journey. 

Understanding Family-Based Immigration

Family-based immigration lets U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) bring their immediate relatives to join them in the United States. While the process can be complex and time-consuming, having a good grasp of U.S. immigration laws and policies is very helpful. 

Here are the main pillars of family-based immigration: 

1. Immediate relative petitions 

Immediate relatives include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There are no annual limits on the number of visas available for immediate relatives, making this a faster route to immigration.  

2. Family preference categories 

Family members of US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs)) who do not qualify as immediate relatives fall under family preference categories. These include: 

• Unmarried adult children of US citizens 

• Spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children of LPRs 

• Married children of U.S. citizens 

• Siblings of U.S. citizens 

Since only a limited number of family preference immigrant visas are available each year, most people have a long wait before they can immigrate. 

3. Fiancé(e) visas 

U.S. citizens who wish to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the United States for marriage can apply for a fiancé(e) visa. The fiancé(e) visa process involves submitting a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F) to USCIS, obtaining approval, and then proceeding with an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to assess the legitimacy of the relationship. 

4. Deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) 

DACA is an immigration policy that offers temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible individuals who were brought to the United States as children and meet specific residency and education criteria. 

Those who arrived in the U.S. before their 16th birthday and have continuously resided in the country since June 15, 2007, are among the primary candidates for DACA eligibility. 

5. Adjustment of status 

For those already in the U.S. on a temporary visa, the adjustment of status process allows eligible individuals to become lawful permanent residents without returning to their home country. All applications must meet the criteria set by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

6. Consular processing 

For family members of U.S. citizens or LPRs living abroad, consular processing is the pathway to obtaining a visa.  

7. Conditional residency removal 

When individuals who have been married for less than two years gain permanent residency through marriage, they initially receive conditional resident status, which is valid for two years. They must petition to remove these conditions and prove the legitimacy of the marriage to secure a 10-year green card. 

8. Naturalization and citizenship 

Becoming a U.S. citizen is the ultimate goal for many immigrants. The naturalization process typically involves completing an application, attending a biometrics appointment, passing an English and civics test, and successfully participating in an interview with a USCIS officer. 

9. Appeals and motions 

If a family-based immigration petition is denied, they may be eligible to file appeals and motions to reopen or reconsider the case.  

10. Waivers of inadmissibility 

Certain grounds of inadmissibility can prevent family members from obtaining visas. Would-be immigrants may be eligible to apply for waivers, demonstrating extreme hardship to qualifying U.S. relatives. 

What Sets Carney & Marchi Apart?

Here’s what you get when you enlist Carney & Marchi to help with your family-based immigration case: 

Experience 

With over five decades of combined experience, the attorneys at Carney & Marchi have practiced at every level of the judiciary system. Their in-depth knowledge of immigration law and strong advocacy skills ensure that your family-based immigration case will be resolved promptly and with the best possible outcome. 

Communication 

The legal process can be complicated and time-consuming. Carney & Marchi will inform and support you every step of the way. They prioritize clear and comprehensive communication, so you can make well-informed decisions regarding your case. 

Compassion 

The attorneys at Carney & Marchi measure success not only in terms of cases won but also by the positive changes made in clients' lives. The firm is committed to compassionate representation and has devoted many pro bono hours to assisting those in need. This dedication extends to conducting workshops, volunteering at clinics, and actively helping in the community. 

Personalized Attention 

Every case is unique. Carney & Marchi provides caring, personal attention to each client, ensuring their needs are met.