U.S. Immigration – an Overview

Federal laws affecting immigration are under intense review in Congress.  Whether the proposed major changes will be enacted into law in 2006 or not until later is unknown.  What is known is that pressure from anti-immigration groups and concern stemming from the terrorist actions in 2001 have reduced immigrant options, complicated non-immigrant options, and increased operations by federal and non-federal law enforcement officers.

  Frequently Asked Questions about Immigration Law

Q: What are the types of employment-based visas?

A: There are five categories of such for immigrants and a number of categories for non-immigrants.  The number of visas available for each category is limited.  Since October 1, 2005 the increased number of petitions has forced a backlog on most categories.  On non-immigrant visas Congress did increase visa numbers for Australians and for those with advanced university degrees from U.S. universities. 

Q: What are the types of family-based immigrant visas?

A: Family members of U.S. citizens and U.S. legal permanent residents may be eligible for immigrant visas.  Except for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, i.e. spouse and minor children, there are backlogs for immigrant visas.  These range from four years to twenty-three years.  Sponsorship of family members of legal permanent residents is limited to spouses, minor children, and unmarried sons and daughters.  U.S. citizens may also sponsor married sons and daughters and brothers and sisters with their spouses and children.

Q: Are there other ways to obtain immigrant visas?

A: Yes. The annual lottery still exists.  Some former employees of the U.S. Embassies may qualify.  Battered spouses can self-petition.  Asylum seekers and refugees are considered.

Contact an Experienced Virginia Immigration and Naturalization Attorney

If you have any immigration related questions, please contact me. I can be reached by phone at (703) 865-5966, e-mail, or by filling out the intake form on my Contact Us page.

My office is located in Fairfax County, Virginia between Washington, D.C. and Dulles International Airport.  As I live near my office, I am happy to accommodate clients who need evening or weekend appointments.

Paul L. Good Attorney at Law

297 Herndon Pkwy - Suite 303 – Herndon, VA 20170

Paul A. Good Attorney at Law handles immigration matters for clients throughout Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and the cities of Herndon, Manassas, Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax City, District of Columbia, Rockville, Alexandria, Falls Church, Reston, and McLean.