Today, with the increase in consciousness about political identity, every country globally has developed a set of conditions to regulate immigration services. In straightforward words, immigration policies are guiding principles for the immigration process. It has often been noticed that the countries that have low population growth have liberal immigration policies. In contrast, countries that have faced the bane of terrorism have become more stringent with their immigration policies.
It is essential to note that legal immigration is possible only for people who fulfill the eligibility criteria stated in the country’s immigration policy. An immigration policy determines the immigrant’s right in the country and provides a comprehensive outlook to manage the immigrant’s economic and social life. The country’s government usually develops the policy according to the social and economic conditions prevailing in the country. These policies also consider issues regarding illegal immigration and how to limit illegal immigrants, while a few countries even have provisions to provide amnesty to illegal immigrants.
Hence, one needs to be aware of a particular country’s immigration policy before deciding to move there because the immigration process can be delayed if the policy requirements are not strictly adhered to. One can seek assistance from the immigration office or an immigration consultant. One can also surf the internet to gather information about the immigration policy of a country.
Immigration Policy in the United States
Immigration law in the United States is based upon the ideologies:
• Allowing immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy.
• The reunification of families.
• Promoting diversity.
• Protecting refugees.
The law body that governs the current immigration policy is called The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA allows the country to grant up to 675,000 permanent immigrant visas each year across the various visa categories. Besides the 675,000 visas, the INA sets no limit on the annual admission of U.S. citizens’ parents, spouses, and children under the age of 21. However, every year the U.S. president is required to consult with Congress and set an annual number of refugees to be admitted to the country through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Process.
Once a person obtains an immigrant visa and comes to the United States, they become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). In some circumstances, noncitizens already inside the United States can obtain LPR status through a process known as “adjustment of status.” The LPRs are foreign nationals who are permitted to work and live lawfully and permanently in the United States.
They are also eligible to apply for nearly all jobs and remain permanently, even if they are unemployed. After residing in the United States for five years (or three years in some circumstances), LPRs can apply for U.S. citizenship. The United States also admits a variety of noncitizens temporarily every year. Such “non-immigrant” visas are granted to everyone from tourists to foreign students to temporary workers permitted to remain in the U.S. for years.
We at California Immigration Services specialize in the preparation of immigration and naturalization paper-work and documents. We also work on Green Card petitions and deliver fast and effective services at affordable rates.