Family-Based Immigration Services Coleman Law Group
Reuniting Families Across Florida and the United States
At the Coleman Law Group, we believe that no family should be separated by borders. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and serving families across the state and nationwide, we specialize in family-based immigration law.
With 8 years of experience, our team is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of immigration law, guiding them step-by-step through the legal process to achieve their goal of living together in the United States.
Each year, thousands of families turn to family-based immigration to reunite with their loved ones or begin a new life together. Whether you’re seeking a visa for your spouse, sponsoring a child, or navigating the naturalization process, Coleman Law Group is here to provide expert legal assistance tailored to your unique needs.
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Comprehensive Family-Based Immigration Services
The U.S. immigration system offers several pathways for families to achieve lawful residency and citizenship. Below, we highlight the core services provided by Coleman Law Group to support families in their immigration journey:
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January 2025, discussions surrounding proposed changes to U.S. immigration policies, particularly family-based immigration, have gained significant attention.
Key Policy Developments:
1. Reinstatement of Family Detention Centers:
The new administration is considering reopening family detention centers, initially closed in 2021, to detain families together during immigration proceedings. While the stated goal is to deter illegal crossings, this policy has raised concerns regarding the legality of prolonged detentions and the potential impact on children’s well-being.
2. Mass Deportation Initiatives:
Plans to deport individuals residing in the U.S. without legal authorization could affect millions of families, particularly those with mixed immigration statuses. A controversial proposal suggests placing U.S.-born children of undocumented parents in transitional care if their parents are deported, sparking significant public debate.
3. Restrictions on Family-Based Immigration Categories:
Proposals include narrowing eligibility for family-based immigration to immediate family members, such as spouses and minor children. Extended family members, like parents, adult children, and siblings, may face stricter restrictions, increased wait times, or higher fees, potentially disrupting traditional pathways for family reunification.
4. Challenges to Birthright Citizenship:
The President-elect has expressed a desire to end birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Implementing this change would require significant legal and constitutional challenges, as it would reshape the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
Immediate Relative Petitions (IR Visas)
For the closest family members of U.S. citizens, immediate relative visas are a priority. Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens can apply for these visas, which are not subject to annual limits.
How We Help:
- Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).
- Ensuring all required evidence such as marriage licenses, birth certificates, or adoption papers is submitted correctly.
- Supporting clients through each stage of the process to avoid unnecessary delays.
Family Preference Category Visas (F Visas)
These visas allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to sponsor extended family members who don’t qualify as immediate relatives. Categories include:
- F1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens.
- F2A: Spouses and children of LPRs.
- F2B: Unmarried adult children of LPRs.
- F3: Married adult children of U.S. citizens.
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens.
How We Help:
We assist with understanding the visa priority date system, tracking progress under the Visa Bulletin, and filing complete applications to help families navigate the waiting period effectively.
If you’re engaged to someone from another country, a fiancé(e) visa allows them to enter the United States for marriage within 90 days.
How We Help:
- Filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)).
- Gathering proof of a bona fide relationship, including photographs, correspondence, and affidavits.
- Assisting with the adjustment of status application after marriage to secure a green card for the foreign spouse.
Biological children or stepchildren under 21 years old can be sponsored for immigration by U.S. citizens or LPRs.
How We Help:
We assist in filing petitions for children and stepchildren, ensuring all relevant documentation, such as birth certificates and proof of parental relationships, is provided for a smooth application process.
If a family member is deemed inadmissible due to prior immigration violations, criminal records, or other issues, they may still qualify for immigration benefits through a waiver.
How We Help:
- Filing Form I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility).
- Demonstrating extreme hardship to the sponsoring U.S. citizen or LPR.
- Crafting a strong case to overcome inadmissibility barriers.
Spouses of U.S. citizens or LPRs can apply for a spousal visa. CR-1 visas are for marriages of less than two years, while IR-1 visas are for longer marriages.
How We Help:
- Supporting couples in proving the authenticity of their marriage through joint financial records, housing agreements, and other documents.
- Managing the entire visa process, from initial petition to consular interviews or adjustment of status.
Family members already in the United States may apply for a green card through adjustment of status, avoiding the need to return to their home country for consular processing.
How We Help:
- Preparing and filing Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status).
- Ensuring required medical examinations and biometrics appointments are completed.
- Preparing clients for their USCIS interviews to maximize the likelihood of approval.
For family members living outside the United States, consular processing is the pathway to an immigrant visa.
How We Help:
- Coordinating document submissions to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Providing guidance on consular interviews, including preparation tips and required forms of identification.
- Addressing issues like delays or requests for additional evidence.
Citizenship Through Family (Naturalization and Derivative Citizenship)
Lawful Permanent Residents may apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Certain children may acquire citizenship automatically if one or both parents are U.S. citizens.
How We Help:
- Filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and ensuring eligibility requirements are met.
- Preparing clients for the English and civics tests, including mock interviews.
- Advising on derivative citizenship pathways for children born abroad to U.S. citizens.
VAWA Self-Petitions (Violence Against Women Act)
Under VAWA, abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or LPRs can self-petition for immigration benefits without relying on the abusive relative.
How We Help:
- Filing Form I-360 (Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant).
- Gathering evidence of abuse, such as affidavits, police reports, or medical records.
- Providing compassionate and discreet representation throughout this sensitive process.
Green Cards for Family-Based Immigration
A Green Card is an essential milestone for families pursuing lawful permanent residency in the United States. Family-based immigration is one of the primary avenues for obtaining a Green Card, allowing individuals to live and work in the U.S. permanently. At Coleman Law Group, we specialize in guiding families through the Green Card process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Eligibility for Family-Based Green Cards
There are two main categories for family-based Green Cards:
Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens.
- Parents of U.S. citizens (if the sponsoring U.S. citizen is 21 or older).
Family Preference Categories:
These categories are subject to annual numerical limits, creating longer waiting times compared to immediate relative petitions. They include:
- F1: Unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens.
- F2A: Spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
- F2B: Unmarried adult children of LPRs.
- F3: Married children of U.S. citizens.
- F4: Siblings of U.S. citizens (the sponsoring citizen must be 21 or older).
Steps to Apply for a Family-Based Green Card
File a Petition:
The sponsoring relative files Form I-130 to prove the family relationship.
Choose Your Process:
- Adjustment of Status if the applicant is in the U.S.
- Consular Processing for applicants living abroad.
Complete Additional Steps:
- Medical exam and biometrics appointment.
- Attend an interview with USCIS or a U.S. embassy.
Why Choose Coleman Law Group?
Navigating family-based immigration is a challenging journey filled with legal complexities and emotional stakes. At Coleman Law Group, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, client-centered representation with a focus on results.
Our Promise to You:
Experienced Legal Team: With years of experience in immigration law, we’ve successfully handled a wide variety of family-based immigration cases.
Tailored Approach: Every family is unique, and we create customized strategies to meet your specific needs.
Error-Free Applications: We ensure all forms and documentation are complete and accurate, minimizing delays or denials.
Unwavering Advocacy: We fight passionately for your family’s right to live together in the United States.
Contact Coleman Law Group Today
Family is at the heart of everything we do. If you’re seeking to bring loved ones to the United States or need assistance with any family-based immigration matter, let Coleman Law Group guide you.
Call us today for a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting your family in the United States. With Coleman Law Group by your side, you can navigate the immigration process confidently and successfully
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