Can I search immigration records?

Can I search immigration records?

We have immigration records for arrivals to the United States from foreign ports between approximately 1820 and 1982. The records are arranged by Port of Arrival. Familysearch.org is a free site. Ancestry and Fold3 are both subscription services that allow free searches of some or all index terms for each title.

What is family-based immigration?

A foreign citizen seeking to live permanently in the United States requires an immigrant visa (IV). There are two types of family-based immigrant visas: Immediate Relative – these visas are based on a close family relationship with a U.S. citizen, such as a spouse, child or parent.

How does family immigration work?

Family-based immigration requires the participation of at least two family members, a petitioner and a beneficiary. The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident that wants to sponsor a foreign family member for a green card.

Does a green card allow you to work?

California is home to more than three million foreigners with green cards, also called legal permanent residents (LPR). Green card holders may lawfully live and work in America. In California, the main way non-citizens achieve LPR status is through either (1) employment sponsorship or (2) family sponsorship.

How do I get immigration papers?

Most immigration and naturalization forms can be downloaded for free from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, USCIS.gov. If you’re applying from outside the United States, however, some forms will be available only through the U.S. Department of State’s online portal.

Can I ask if someone is a US citizen?

When You Can Ask It is against the law to knowingly hire someone who is not authorized to work in the United States. Even so, the Immigration Reform and Control Act generally forbids you from asking a person to prove his or her citizenship during a job interview or at any time before you offer employment.