Avenal, CA Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

Philippines law will govern the adoption but this does not make them automatically U.S. citizens and may or may not make them eligible for any immigration benefits. In most cases you must adopt before age 16 and then spend two years with them in your care, custody and residence before they are eligible to obtain immigration documents to come to the U.S. so you would need to move overseas for that time period. There are some exceptions if they are truly orphans.

If your mother entered the country legally, your sister can petition for her and she can apply for adjustment of status concurrently. If your mother entered the country illegally, she can still apply for adjustment of status because you are in the military. Prior to applying for adjustment of status, however, she will need to submit a request to the District Director of the USCIS office with jurisdiction over her place of residence to be Paroled in Place. The request is submitted on form I-131 along with proof of relationship and evidence of military status such as your military ID card.

Maybe. A few months ago, the visa came up available for people who were in a situation just like you. Additionally, let's suppose something goes wrong.You end being arrested for something just a little bit before the time to file your naturalization, and you end up with probation. You would have to wait until the probation is over before you can file for naturalization. In addition, the USCIS filing fee for the I-130 could go up. I suggest to file the I-130 now. Just make sure to watch the dates on the visa bulletin every month and upgrade your status after becoming an American citizen. (This means submit a copy of your naturalization certificate to the USCIS if they have not yet adjudicated your I-130 or forward the copy to the National Visa Center if the I-130 is already approved. Good luck.