Family-Based Immigration
The classification system, “family reunification,” has been the principal policy underlying U.S. immigration law. Because of this, close relatives of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) are eligible to process paperwork to be admitted to reside in the United States as LPRs. LPR status is an immigrant visa which allows individuals to live and work in the United States. This is commonly referred to as having a “green card.”
The family preference system allows the following individuals to immigrate: