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Family-Based Immigration & Naturalization

Family-Based Immigration

At Karam Law, we understand that family is the foundation of life. Our mission is to help reunite families and keep them together through comprehensive, compassionate, and expert legal support in family-based immigration matters.

Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. This process is one of the most common and effective ways to bring loved ones together and build a new life in the U.S.

There are two primary categories of family-based immigration:

  • Immediate Relatives – Includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no annual cap on visas in this category.
  • Family Preference Categories – Includes other relatives such as siblings of U.S. citizens and spouses or children of lawful permanent residents. These categories are subject to annual visa limits and waiting periods.

Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process. We provide legal support for:

  • Petitions for Spouses, Children, Parents, and Siblings living outside of the U.S. We help U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to sponsor eligible family members for green cards.
  • Adjustment of Status (Green Card Process within the U.S. If your family member is already in the U.S., they may be eligible to apply for a green card without leaving the country through the Adjustment of Status process (Form I-485).
  • Consular Processing for Relatives Abroad. For family members living outside the U.S., consular processing is required to obtain a visa. We work closely with the National Visa Center (NVC) and U.S. embassies or consulates abroad to ensure that your loved ones are prepared for their interviews and receive their visas without unnecessary setbacks.
  • Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1) – If you’re engaged to a foreign national and plan to marry in the United States, we can help you apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. We also assist with the subsequent Adjustment of Status process after the marriage to help your spouse become a lawful permanent resident.
  • Removal of Conditions on Green Cards (Form I-751) – If your spouse obtained a two-year conditional green card through marriage, you must jointly file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and obtain a 10-year permanent resident card. We ensure you meet the filing deadlines and include sufficient evidence of your bona fide marriage.
  • Waivers for Inadmissibility – If your family member is deemed inadmissible due to past immigration violations, criminal history, or health-related issues, we can help you apply for a waiver (such as Form I-601 or I-601A). These waivers require a strong legal argument and evidence of hardship—we build a compelling case tailored to your situation.
  • Appeals and Motion to Reopen Denied Cases – If your family-based petition has been denied, all hope is not lost. We evaluate the denial, identify legal errors or missing documentation, and file an appeal or motion to reopen the case. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex and time-sensitive immigration appeals.

Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone—and a dream for many immigrants. We are proud to guide individuals and families through the naturalization process with clarity, compassion, and expert legal care.

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. It grants you the full rights and privileges of citizenship, including the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and petition for family members to immigrate.

You may be eligible to apply for naturalization if you:

  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Have maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
  • Demonstrate good moral character
  • Can read, write, and speak basic English
  • Have knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics)
  • Are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance

We offer comprehensive support to help you confidently pursue U.S. citizenship. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Evaluation and Application Preparation (Form N-400) – We assess your eligibility for naturalization and guide you through completing and submitting Form N-400, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness to avoid delays or denials.
  • Waivers for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) – If you or a loved one has a physical, developmental, or mental impairment that prevents meeting the English or civics test requirements, you may qualify for an exception using Form N-648. We provide referrals to qualified medical professionals to complete the form accurately and help you submit it with the necessary supporting documentation.
  • Interview and Oath Ceremony Preparation – We help you understand what to expect at your naturalization interview and the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, including mock interview sessions and documentation review.
  • Certificate of Citizenship for Children (Form N-600) – We assist parents in obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship for children who automatically acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents.
  • Replacement of Citizenship Certificates (Form N-656) – If your naturalization or citizenship certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, we help you apply for a replacement with USCIS, ensuring all required documentation is included.
  • Legal Assistance for Complex Cases or Past Immigration Issues – We handle naturalization cases involving criminal records, prior immigration violations, or long absences from the U.S., providing strategic legal solutions to overcome barriers.
  • Denials and Appeals – If your naturalization application has been denied, we can file an appeal (Form N-336) to request a rehearing. We review the decision, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf to seek a reversal.