In this video, our Champaign immigration attorneys explain the option of asylum and how to apply if you feel it is the right path for you. If you have a legitimate fear of persecution in your home country, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the United States through either Affirmative Asylum or Defensive Asylum.​​ Asylum from oppression or persecution based on race, ethnicity or nationality.Asylum from persecution because of religions beliefs; Asylum from imprisonment based on a political opinion; Asylum from arrest or persecution based on membership in a social group; and Asylum from fear of torture, under the rules of international conventions.

In this episode, our Champaign immigration attorneys discuss what documents and materials you should collect before filling out and completing Immigration Form I-485 for adjustment of status. Form I-485 is the main USCIS application for immigrants who are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (US green card) and can also do so while living in the US and not having to leave the country for an overseas consular interview.

Individuals eligible to file Form I-485 will typically fall into one of four categories:

1. Those who came to the US on a temporary work visa such as an H-1B and were sponsored by their employer for a green card
2. Those who came to the US on a temporary visa, but married a US citizen
3. Individuals who received asylum in the US
4. The fiancé of a US citizen who got married before their fiancée visa expired

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Our Champaign immigration attorneys explains the I-130 petition form and what current changes that have occurred to it. The first step in the process of sponsoring a relative’s Visa petition is to prepare Form I-130 and file it with the office of USCIS. ‍The instructions section of Form I-130 has been revised to state that USCIS may require the citizen or resident to appear for an interview collect additional information, conduct background checks including an FBI criminal history check, and to verify the petitioner’s identity by providing fingerprints, a photograph and/or a signature. It is advisable to work with an immigration attorney when completing Form I-130, because petitions that contain errors or that are incomplete may significantly delay the green card process.