Frequently Asked Questions
Plain answers to questions immigrants ask most often. Written by Amani A. Haddad, Esq., immigration attorney in Rye, NY.
What is a green card?
A green card — officially called a Permanent Resident Card — gives you the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is not citizenship, but it is a major step toward it. Most green card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
How long does it take to get a green card?
Processing times vary widely depending on the type of green card and your country of birth. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are generally processed faster than other family categories. Employment-based cases vary by employer and category. We will give you a realistic estimate at your consultation.
What is the difference between a visa and a green card?
A visa is a temporary permission to enter or stay in the United States for a specific purpose and period of time. A green card is permanent residence — it allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, without needing to renew a visa.
What happens if I receive a Notice to Appear?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is the document that starts removal proceedings against you. You should contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible. You have the right to be represented in immigration court, and there may be defenses or forms of relief available to you.
Can I apply for asylum if I am already in the United States?
Yes. You can apply for asylum if you are physically present in the United States, regardless of how you entered. You generally must apply within one year of your last arrival, though exceptions exist for changed or extraordinary circumstances.
What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card while you are already inside the United States. It allows you to change your immigration status to lawful permanent resident without leaving the country. Not everyone is eligible — it depends on how you entered and your current status.
Can I work while my green card application is pending?
Yes, in most cases. Once you file for adjustment of status, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to work legally in the United States while your case is pending.
What is a conditional green card?
A conditional green card is a two-year green card issued to spouses of U.S. citizens when the marriage is less than two years old at the time of approval. You must file a petition to remove the conditions within the 90-day window before the card expires.
Do you offer services in Arabic?
Yes. Attorney Amani A. Haddad is fluent in Arabic and can conduct your entire consultation and representation in Arabic, with no interpreter required. This includes consultations, document review, court preparation, and all follow-up communication.
What is Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)?
SIJS is a federal immigration classification that provides a path to a green card for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents. It requires a predicate order from a state juvenile court and a federal immigration petition filed with USCIS.
What is an immigration waiver?
An immigration waiver is a formal request to USCIS or a consular officer to overlook a ground of inadmissibility — a legal bar that would otherwise prevent someone from obtaining a visa or green card. Common waivers include the I-601 waiver for unlawful presence and the I-601A provisional waiver.
How much does an immigration attorney cost?
Attorney fees vary depending on the type of case and its complexity. We charge a consultation fee that is applied toward your legal fees if you retain the firm. We will discuss fees clearly at your consultation so you understand the costs before making any decisions.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation. The fee is applied toward your legal fees if you retain the firm.