Going From Undocumented To Documented: 5 Things You Need To Know

There are many reasons people may come to the US without documentation. No matter your reason for coming to the US, it is a good idea to know how you can become a legal resident.

There are many different channels, and you will also need to understand the process and requirements to get to documented status. 

It may take some time, but the effort and dedication will be well worth it. You should also talk to others that may have been in your situation to get real-life advice on how to overcome different obstacles.  

Marry A US Partner 

One of the easiest ways to become a US citizen is by marrying another US citizen. The checks are vigorous, so you should not attempt to do a marriage of convenience, as these are often found out by the authorities.

If you’re living and working in the US, you’ll often have plenty of chances to meet romantic partners. You should always be upfront about your undocumented status and never enter an engagement purely to gain citizenship.  

Prepare For Lengthy Legal Checks 

No matter what route you take into citizenship, you should be prepared for a lengthy legal process. You will need documentation, proof of employment, relationships, and other critical paperwork.

Ebbing ready for the lengthy process is crucial, as it can be discouraging if you’re unaware of the length and complexity. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer in advance, as they will be able to give you a clearer timeframe based on your specific case.  

Find A Reputable Lawyer 

A dependable, experienced lawyer can make all the difference to your citizenship application. You should look for a local lawyer with experience in citizenship law. Finding a lawyer from your home country can also be a bonus, as they will understand the unique challenges you face.

A great example is the Orlando-based Brazilian attorney, PD Law Firm, who has real, first-hand experience in gaining US citizenship.  

Provide An In-Demand Service 

It is often easier to gain a visa if you can provide a much-needed service. This could be in healthcare, education, or specialist manual skills. The more desirable your qualifications, the easier it will be to gain citizenship.

You should research the skills most needed in the US and potentially find ways to apply your own skills or undertake education to improve your skillset.  

Understand The Qualifications For Refugee Status 

If you hope to become a citizen through the refugee track, you should be prepared to prove your case to an American judge. The process can be rigorous, and you will have to show that you have been a victim of persecution or are at risk of persecution should you return to your country of origin.  

This is typically categorized as one of the following: religion, race, nationality, politics, nationality, or social group. Gaining entry to the US based on refugee or asylum status can be very difficult, and the US offers a notoriously low number of green cards based on this.