Who is eligible for adjustment of status in Atlanta?

Atlanta, GA – If you are an undocumented alien, currently living in the state of Georgia you may be wondering what you can do to obtain legal permanent residence. One of the easiest ways to do that is to apply for adjustment of status.

Three are certain requirements that you must meet. If you’re not sure you’re eligible for adjustment of status, you could greatly benefit from talking to an experienced immigration lawyer in Atlanta.

Adjustment of status eligibility requirements

According to the US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), an immigrant applying for adjustment of status must have been

Inspected and admitted into the United States 

Let’s say what this means. 

Inspection is the formal process of determining whether an alien may lawfully enter the United States. 

An alien is admitted to the United States if the following conditions are met:

• The alien applied for admission as an “alien” at a port of entry (border).
• An immigration officer inspected the applicant for admission as an “alien” and authorized him or her to enter the United States

Inspected and paroled into the United States

The term “paroled” refers to a person who was allowed into the United States while lacking a visa or other valid admission document or status, usually for an emergency or humanitarian reason. Persons paroled into the United States are often asylum applicants allowed into the country after making an asylum claim at a port of entry.

It can also mean a person who was admitted into the United States but should not have been. For instance, if you cross the Southern Border in a car and the border patrol waves you in without checking your documents, this counts as parole. 

Seasoned Georgia immigration lawyers may explain a bit more on this. 

When can I apply for adjustment of status?

An unlawful immigrant physically present in the US may apply for adjustment of status at their earliest convenience. If you have relatives who are legal permanent residents or US citizens, you should get in touch with skilled immigration lawyers and apply for family-based adjustment of status.

You may also use adjustment of status as a deportation defense. If you are placed in removal proceedings, your lawyers will apply for adjustment of status before your Immigration court hearing. 

What is an adjustment of status interview?

Adjustment of status applicants must be interviewed by an officer unless the interview is waived by USCIS. The decision to waive the interview is made on a case-by-case basis. The interview enables immigration authorities to verify important information about the applicant to determine if they are eligible for adjustment. 

For family-based applications, your sponsor (the person who filed Form I-130) must appear for the interview with the principal adjustment of status applicant. 

During the interview, the officer verifies that the applicant understood the questions on the application and provides the applicant with an opportunity to revise any answers completed incorrectly or that have changed since first applying. Any unanswered questions or incomplete answers on the application are resolved at the interview. If information is added or revised, the applicant should re-sign and date the application after the interview.

If you are planning to apply for adjustment of status, schedule an appointment with a trustworthy lawyer at Kuck | Baxter Immigration LLC in Atlanta or their South Georgia office. They will advise you on the best strategy for your particular situation and help you with the paperwork.

Contact info:

Kuck | Baxter Immigration LLC

365 Northridge Road

Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30350

Tel : (404) 816-8611