Family-Based Immigration

Reunite your family in the United States with our immigration lawyers’ help
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Family-Based Immigration Attorney In New Jersey

How Can I Bring My Family Members To The United States?

At Thomas DeMarco & Associates, we understand how important family is, and we are committed to helping families reunite and stay together through the family-based immigration process. U.S. immigration law allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor family members for visas and green cards, helping families build a future together in the United States. Navigating the immigration system can be complex, but our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your family’s immigration process is handled with care and precision.


Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States. There are two main categories under which family members may be eligible to immigrate:

  1. Immediate Relative Visas
  2. Family Preference Visas



The category that applies to your family member will depend on your immigration status and your relationship to them.

Call Thomas DeMarco & Associates at 856-541-9000 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

Family-Based Green Card Process

The process of obtaining a family-based green card typically involves several steps:

  1. Filing a Petition: The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying family relationship and initiates the immigration process.
  2. Processing and Approval: Once the petition is filed, USCIS reviews the application and supporting documents. If approved, the case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) or USCIS for further processing, depending on whether the relative is inside or outside the U.S.
  3. Adjustment of Status (If Inside the U.S.): If the family member is already in the United States, they may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485 to obtain a green card without leaving the country.
  4. Consular Processing (If Outside the U.S.): If the family member is living abroad, they will undergo consular processing and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
  5. Approval and Green Card Issuance: After approval, the family member will receive their green card, allowing them to live and work in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.

Challenges and Common Issues in Family-Based Immigration

While family-based immigration can be a relatively straightforward process, challenges may arise that require legal expertise. Common issues include:

  • Proving the Relationship: U.S. immigration officials closely scrutinize family-based visa applications to ensure that the relationship is legitimate. This is especially true for marriage-based petitions, which require evidence of a bona fide marriage.
  • Delays Due to Backlogs: For family preference categories, there may be significant waiting periods due to visa backlogs. We help clients navigate these delays and explore possible alternatives.
  • Inadmissibility: Some applicants may be deemed inadmissible due to prior immigration violations, criminal convictions, or health-related issues. We assist clients in applying for waivers to overcome these barriers.
  • Our legal team is here to address these and other challenges, ensuring that your application is complete and meets all immigration requirements.


At Thomas DeMarco & Associates, we understand that family is everything, and we are dedicated to helping families reunite and remain together in the United States. With years of experience in family-based immigration law, we provide compassionate, personalized representation to guide you through the process. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring that every step of the process is handled correctly, minimizing delays and avoiding complications.

When you work with us, you can expect:

  • Personalized Attention: We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
  • Expert Guidance: We stay up to date on the latest changes in immigration law and work diligently to navigate complex regulations and requirements.
  • Clear Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you understand the process and your options.
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Have Questions?

Call Thomas DeMarco & Associates at 856-541-9000 today to speak to an attorney.

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