Can a child apply for a green card through a parent’s U.S. citizenship?

Yes, a child in Utah can typically apply for a green card through the U.S. citizenship of a parent. The parent must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in order for their child to apply for a green card. If the parent is a U.S. citizen, then the child is considered an "immediate relative," making them eligible for immigration benefits. Children must submit two forms: Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). The U.S. citizen parent files Form I-130 on behalf of their child and the child will then file Form I-485. In some cases, the parent may need to prove financial responsibility for the child. This means the parent will need to show proof of their income and ability to support the child if their child is approved for a green card. If the parent is a lawful permanent resident, the child must usually follow the family-based preference system instead. This involves the U.S. citizen child, if necessary, filing Form I-130 and the child will then file Form I-485. In general, under U.S. immigration law, applying for a green card through a parent’s U.S. citizenship is typically the best option for a child to gain the status of a lawful permanent resident.

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Sí, un niño puede aplicar para una tarjeta verde a través de la ciudadanía de uno de sus padres en los Estados Unidos. Esta opción se conoce como derivación de ciudadanía, y permite a los hijos de un ciudadano estadounidense recibir su tarjeta verde sin tener que salir del país bajo la Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad de los Estados Unidos. Los niños deben tener por lo menos 15 años para presentar la petición por sí mismos, o uno de sus padres puede presentar la petición en su nombre si tienen menos de 15 años. Además, el niño debe ser menor de 31 años para poder calificar. En el estado de Utah, el proceso requiere que los padres inicien una petición en el Centro de Inmigración de los Estados Unidos con la documentación requerida, incluyendo una prueba de ciudadanía o residencia permanente. Una vez aprobada la petición, el hijo debe completar una aplicación Formulario N-400 para solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense. Esto requiere que el niño se someta a un examen de ciudadanía y presentar una prueba de buena moral. Los niños deben estar bien preparados para este proceso y deben tener la documentación necesaria para presentar a la agencia.

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