Reuniting parents and children through family-based immigration is one of the most meaningful aspects of U.S. immigration law. At Ruiz Immigration Law, LLC, we help families across Atlanta and Marietta, and beyond navigate the often complex process of sponsoring children or parents for lawful permanent residency. Whether you are a U.S. citizen filing for your minor child or seeking to bring a parent to the United States, we are here to provide knowledgeable, compassionate support. If you are looking for an Atlanta GA Parent & Child Immigration Lawyer or a Marietta Family Visa Attorney, our firm is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Alexis Ruiz is the best lawyer and person, She is professional, an excellent communicator, she is highly organized. She has a beautiful spirit and is very helpful. She definitely would be excellent for anyone seeking solid representation. Highly recommended! Thank you also to your administrative assistant Solangie for her time and dedication.Alejandro G.
Family Reunification Through U.S. Immigration Law
Family-based immigration is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, approximately 65% of all lawful permanent residents admitted each year gain residency through a family relationship. This pathway allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain relatives, including parents and children, to join them in the United States.
Family immigration is divided into two major categories for parents and children:
- Immediate Relatives: Includes parents of U.S. citizens and unmarried children under 21 years old
- Family Preference Categories: Includes adult children and married children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, subject to visa quotas
Understanding the distinction between these categories is essential to managing expectations regarding visa availability and timelines.
Sponsoring a Parent for a Green Card
U.S. citizens aged 21 or older may petition for their biological or adoptive parents to immigrate to the United States. Parents of U.S. citizens are classified as immediate relatives, meaning they are not subject to annual visa caps and generally experience faster processing times compared to other family members.
Important requirements include:
- Proof of the U.S. citizen child’s status and age (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport)
- Proof of the qualifying parent-child relationship (birth or adoption documents)
- Evidence that the U.S. citizen child can meet financial sponsorship requirements through Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
Sponsoring a Child for a Green Card
The process for sponsoring children depends on several factors, including age, marital status, and whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Minor children (under 21 and unmarried) of U.S. citizens are classified as immediate relatives, offering faster processing. Other categories include:
- Unmarried children over 21 (First Preference Category for U.S. citizens)
- Married children of any age (Third Preference Category for U.S. citizens)
- Children of lawful permanent residents (Second Preference Category)
Processing times can vary significantly depending on the preference category and visa availability, with some categories experiencing several years of backlog.
Common Challenges in Parent & Child Visa Cases
Although the family immigration system is designed to reunite families, several challenges can arise during the process, including:
- Documentation issues proving the parent-child relationship
- Delays caused by background checks or missing documents
- Income insufficiency for sponsorship requirements
- Visa backlog for family preference categories
Proper preparation and strategic guidance can help address these challenges and minimize unnecessary delays.
Serving Atlanta and Marietta Families with Dedication
At Ruiz Immigration Law, LLC, we understand the emotional importance of parent and child reunification cases. Our firm is proud to support families in Atlanta, Marietta, and communities throughout Georgia, as well as families across the United States with careful attention to detail and clear, respectful communication. Every family deserves the opportunity to stay connected, and we are committed to helping you pursue the immigration solutions that best meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parent & Child Visas
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No. Only U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old may sponsor their parents for lawful permanent residency.
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Processing times vary based on the child’s age, marital status, and whether the petitioner is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Immediate relative petitions generally move faster than preference-based categories.
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Typically, a birth certificate showing the names of the parent and child is required. In some cases, additional evidence or DNA testing may be requested.
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Yes. Adopted children may qualify under certain conditions, but specific rules apply regarding the timing and legal process of the adoption.
Meet Alexis Ruiz – A Passionate Advocate for Immigrant Rights
Attorney Alexis Ruiz is a dedicated Atlanta immigration lawyer with a deep commitment to helping clients achieve lawful immigration status. A proud daughter of immigrants, Ms. Ruiz brings both professional skill and personal understanding to every case. She earned her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and is licensed to practice in Georgia and before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Before founding Ruiz Immigration Law, LLC, she co-founded a respected immigration firm where she built a reputation for strategic case planning and empathetic client care. She is fluent in Spanish and has represented clients from over 40 countries.
Contact Us for Help Reuniting Your Family
If you are seeking to bring your parent or child to the United States, Ruiz Immigration Law, LLC is here to assist you. Contact our Atlanta office today to learn more about the visa options available for your family and how we can support your immigration goals.
