(Photo : Reuters)

A non-American citizen who wants to get a green card to have a legal and permanent job in the United States must fall into one of the eight categories set by the country's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, according to a published report in the Miami Herald.

People around the globe always have this "American Dream." Most people want to stay in the United States for good and dream to have a brighter future not only for themselves but also for their family. In the previous article of Latin Post, it was reported that the easiest way for the non-American citizen to secure a green card for their children is through birth. It was mentioned in the report that Chinese citizens traveled to the U.S. and gave birth to make sure that their child will have a green card. They found this easier compared to applying for a green card.

How important is a Green Card for non-American citizens?

Getting and having a green card is important because this is a way that allows the immigrants to live and work legally in the country before they can seek American citizenship through naturalization. 

Typically, an applicant needs a relative or an employer to file a petition for them. There are also instances that they can qualify through a substantial monetary investment or what is known as the visa lottery which is administered by the U.S. State Department.

What are the eight categories?

1. Family ties with U.S. citizens and permanent residents

One of the easiest ways to get a green card is having an immediate family member living in the United States like a spouse, children who are minors or parents of a U.S. citizen whose age is 21 years old above. 

2. Employment-Based Green Cards

There are work-based that can lead to legal permanent residency in the United States. They are categorized as:

  • Foreign workers with extra-ordinary skills or outstanding researchers
  • Professionals with advanced degrees
  • Skilled workers and professionals
  • Those who can invest at least $1.8 million that can benefit the U.S. economy and can create at least 10 qualified jobs. 

3.Special immigrants in the United States

This category covers a broad range. Pastors and religious workers to individuals who come to the country as a broadcaster for the U.S. Agency for Global Media and employees of NATO or international organizations. 

4. Refugees and American-asylum seekers

A refugee or an asylum seeker who wants to get a green card must have lived in the country for at least one year after their asylum application was approved. They should also continue to meet the definition of a refugee. Moreover, individuals who are admitted to the country as a refugee can also apply in this category.

5. Victims of human trafficking and other crimes

This category is only given to the victims of human trafficking who have cooperated with the state for the prosecution of the traffickers and those who are deported from their country of origin because of this matter. This also allows victims of certain criminal acts who suffered mental or physical abuse.

6. Abuse victims

This category gives victims of extreme cruelty like women and children. This specifically granted applicants who are under the Violence Against Women Act and Special immigrant Juvenile Classification.

7. Visa Lottery

This category is administrated by the U.S. State Department where they issue 50,000 green cards every year through random selection from a wide range of cases.

8. Registry

This category allows foreigners who have been in the country since 1972 without any interruption even if they are now undocumented.