Immigration Helpers- Elementary School

Most people don't go through the immigration process alone. These terms are used to call the people who help during the process.

• Sponsorship (income requirement) / Affidavit of support: An "Affidavit of Support" is a serious contract signed by a sponsor. The sponsor promises the government that they make enough money to help take care of the immigrant so they won’t run out of money or food.

• Employer-Based petition: When a company or boss asks the government to let a talented worker from another country come live and work for them.

• Labor certification: A test a boss has to do to prove to the government that they tried really hard to hire an American worker first, but couldn't find anyone who could do the job, so they need to hire an immigrant.

• Marriage petition / Marriage fraud: A marriage petition is when a husband or wife asks the government to give their spouse a Green Card. "Marriage fraud" is a big lie where people pretend to be married just to get a Green Card, which is highly illegal.

• Adoption for immigration purposes: When a U.S. family adopts a child from another country so that child can become a U.S. citizen and live with their new parents.

• Immigration Attorney Help: Getting help from a specially trained lawyer who understands the massive immigration rulebook and can guide you through the process.

• Pro bono: Free help! When a lawyer does their job for an immigrant without charging them any money, usually to help someone who is in a tough spot.