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Visa Roulette: Why Some Families Win and Others Lose

Blog Septiembre

 

In the land of opportunity, countless immigrants build new lives while dreaming of reuniting with loved ones left behind. The path to family unity in the United States, however, is often paved with challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and emotional strain. Let’s unravel the story behind the numbers and explore how family immigration has shaped—and continues to shape—the American experience.

The Hidden Cost of the American Dream

The American dream, often synonymous with family unity, has been a beacon for countless immigrants seeking a better life. However, the reality of family reunification in the United States is often a complex and arduous journey, fraught with legal hurdles and emotional challenges.

While immediate relative visas are not subject to annual caps, family preference visas face strict numerical limitations, leading to significant backlogs. According to the latest Visa Bulletin from the U.S. Department of State, some family-sponsored preferences for countries like Mexico and the Philippines have waiting periods exceeding 20 years.

Recent Department of Homeland Security data reveals that family-based immigration accounts for approximately 65% of all legal permanent immigration to the United States in 2023. Yet, the average wait time for family reunification can stretch from 2 to more than 20 years, depending on the visa category and country of origin.

The Numbers Tell a Story: Current Family Immigration Statistics

For a few years, family-based immigration has remained the primary pathway for legal permanent residency in the United States.

However, these numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic is a family navigating a complex and often lengthy process. The backlog for family-sponsored visas reached 3.8 million cases in 2020, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Human Cost of Waiting: Impact on Immigrant Families

Beyond the legal and financial challenges, the emotional and psychological impact of family separation can be profound. A study published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health found that prolonged family separation was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems among immigrants.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health found that prolonged family separation was associated with:

  • 50% higher rates of depression among affected immigrants
  • 40% increase in reported anxiety disorders
  • Significant impacts on physical health, including higher rates of hypertension and diabetes

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As immigration patterns evolve, so do policies. Recent proposals aim to address long-standing issues:

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 proposes increasing per-country caps on family-based immigration from 7% to 20%. Efforts to recapture unused visas from previous years could potentially clear significant backlogs.

The Knowledge Advantage: Streamlining Your Family’s Journey

In today’s ever-evolving legal landscape, family reunification processes present a formidable challenge, often characterized by intricate procedures and lengthy timelines. For many families, navigating this complex terrain can be overwhelming. 

However, to increase your chances of a successful family visa application, gather all necessary documentation well in advance, ensure accuracy in your information, provide compelling evidence. Also, getting professional and personalized guidance through this complex process could help you avoid common pitfalls and stress during your application and make your process faster while applying for a family, loved ones, or LGBTQ+ visa.

Our team of Relislaw professionals has meticulously compiled a wealth of knowledge, drawing from extensive experience and recent case outcomes. We encourage you to leverage this valuable information to make well-informed decisions about your family’s reunification journey.

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We help people from around the world to live and work freely in the U.S., to achieve their dreams, unite families, or escape persecution. No matter what immigration service you need, RelisLaw will provide caring and dependable counsel to you and aggressive advocacy to vigorously fight for you using every available legal avenue. As a global firm, we work with people in countries around the world. We meet clients across the U.S., as well as in New York, Toronto, and Montréal. We also meet with clients globally, located in any country, via Skype and other platforms.
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E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements: A Definitive Guide for Business Owners and Managers - RelisLaw

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

U.S. Investment Opportunity: The E-2 Visa

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The **E-2 Treaty Investor Visa** is a non-immigrant classification for foreign nationals investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. business. At RelisLaw, we specialize in maximizing the approval chances for **E-2 Visa Business Entrepreneurs and Managers**.

The E-2 visa allows investors and their **immediate family** (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to live and work in the United States. Initial approval can grant residency for up to **5 years** and is indefinitely renewable as long as the business meets the requirements. This visa is explicitly designed to spur **foreign investment and economic development** in the U.S.

DOWNLOAD: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO E-2 VISA SUCCESS

RelisLaw provides the **solid, detailed guidance** you can rely on to build your strongest E-2 Application and successfully secure your future in the USA!

Since 2016, our clients worldwide have chosen RelisLaw, not only for our **meticulous work and consistent Approvals** but also for the continuous support we provide to help them achieve their dreams of working in the U.S.

Be prepared to discuss your **business plan, investment sources, and management role** in detail during your application process. Upon E-2 visa approval, you will receive authorization to start working in your approved U.S. business right away!

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Eligibility Summary

E-2 Requirement Category Core Eligibility Criteria Definition of Investment
**Applicant & Business** – Must be a **citizen of a U.S. treaty country**.

– Must have already **invested or be actively investing a significant amount** of capital in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.

– The applicant must be coming to the U.S. solely to **develop and direct the enterprise** by having ownership (at least 50%) or a key managerial/executive role.		 – The investment must be **Substantial** relative to the total cost of the business (start-up or purchase).

– Funds must be large enough to demonstrate the investor’s strong **financial commitment** to the business’s success.

– The business must be **Not Marginal** (i.e., not solely created to provide a minimal living income for the investor and family, but must expand employment opportunities in the U.S.).
GET YOUR STEP-BY-STEP E-2 VISA GUIDE NOW
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