Breaking Bread Flashcard

Front

How long does it typically take for a person to immigrate legally to the U.S. through a family-based visa (such as a sibling sponsoring a sibling)?

Back

10+ years

Answer explanation

10+ years
🧠 Many family-based immigration visas—especially for people from countries like Mexico, the Philippines, or India—have wait times that can exceed 20 years due to visa backlogs and annual limits.

Front

True or False: There is a line or waitlist that most undocumented immigrants can join to get legal status.

Back

False

Answer explanation

False
🧠 There is no “line” for most undocumented immigrants. Unless they qualify through very specific categories (like asylum or marriage to a U.S. citizen), there’s no application process available.

Front

How much does it typically cost (in legal fees, filing fees, etc.) to apply for legal permanent residency (green card) without complications?

Back

$5,000 – $10,000

Answer explanation

$5,000 – $10,000
🧠 Legal representation, filing fees, translation, travel, and medical exam costs can add up quickly—and that's assuming a relatively simple case.

Front

Can a person apply for a green card simply by living in the U.S. for a certain number of years?

Back

No, not without meeting very specific criteria

Answer explanation

No, not without meeting very specific criteria
🧠 Time in the U.S. alone does not lead to legal status. You must meet criteria like family sponsorship, employer sponsorship, or qualify for humanitarian protections.