The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery results for the fiscal year 2025 have been announced. For thousands of people, either the hope for a new beginning or heartbreaking disappointment ensued. But beyond the different reactions to the lottery results, I believe we all can observe the immensity of the Green Card and what it stands for: the American Dream.
Thanks to that dream, when I set out for the United States as a student years ago, I could envision a future for myself that seemed promising and exciting. Now, years after, I feel truly blessed to be the founding attorney of Grape Law Firm and to have the privilege of guiding prospective immigrants of diverse backgrounds through the hardships of U.S. immigration law, especially the complex processes of Green Card applications.
After witnessing the impact that the green card has on the lives of many Grape Law clients and reflecting on my own experiences as a first-generation Turkish immigrant, I can confidently state that the Green Card and the American Dream are interlocked. They are both embedded in the pursuit of freedom, prosperity, and a better future.
The Green Card and the American Dream
The Green Card’s significance in the context of the American Dream is rooted in the United States’ historical attraction as the go-to destination for life-changing opportunities. The Green Card is not solely a piece of plastic; it is the embodiment of visionary ideals and endless possibilities. What defines the U.S. as a unique cultural mosaic cannot be understood without professional and personal aspirations. And the Green Card is the insurance for those aspirations.
It is no surprise to anyone — particularly U.S. immigration attorneys such as myself — that the Department of State reports increases in the demand for not only the DV but also many other Green Card categories. This rise is a testament to the appeal of the Green Card throughout the world and the U.S. as the land of starting anew.
Benefits of the Green Card
A Green Card is more than a permit—it's a ticket to a secure and prosperous life in the U.S. Holders can participate in a thriving job market known for rewarding talent and hard work with competitive wages. The privilege extends to purchasing property, accessing comprehensive financial services, and entrepreneurship, which not only bolsters individual growth but also contributes to the economic strength of the nation.
In my experience, clients often share with me how obtaining a Green Card has supported their growth, enabling significant career advancements and the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Moreover, it's a step toward U.S. citizenship, a dream for almost every immigrant. The social advantages, such as eligibility for education and healthcare benefits, and the capacity to sponsor relatives for immigration, are indicative of the Green Card's role in fostering familial bonds and continuity. In this regard, to better understand the Green Card benefits in detail, it's essential to explore its options available.
Employment-based Petition Green Cards
Employment-based Green Cards offer pathways for prospective immigrants to apply their expertise in the U.S. The EB-1C, for instance, is designed for managers and executives who will be transferred from abroad to work in similar positions of multinational companies’ U.S. offices or affiliates. Additionally, foreign managers and executives can apply for the EB-1C to establish new U.S. offices of multinational companies.
PERM Green Cards (EB-2/EB-3), on the other hand, provide U.S. residency for individuals with a job offer from a U.S.-based employer, encompassing a wide range of professionals. The process involves meticulous labor certification to ensure the protection of U.S. labor interests while filling gaps in the workforce with international employees. For those with exceptional skills or advanced degrees, as well as professional, skilled, and unskilled workers, PERM Green Cards signify the U.S.'s strategic commitment to strengthening a diverse and competitive workforce by attracting talent from around the globe.
Self-petition Green Cards
The EB-1A Green Card is designed for those who have reached the top of their fields and whose extraordinary abilities are recognized with awards, extensive publications, or significant contributions to their industry. This category is a direct acknowledgment of their status as leaders and innovators, whether they are pioneering researchers, renowned artists, or celebrated athletes. Candidates for the EB-1A must demonstrate a record of sustained success and are often at the forefront in their work areas.
For professionals whose work holds considerable importance to the U.S. but may not have the widespread acclaim of EB-1A candidates, the EB-2 “National Interest Waiver” (NIW) Green Card offers an alternative route. This category is particularly suited for individuals whose expertise advances areas critical to national interests, such as technology, public health, or education. To qualify for an NIW, applicants must show that their work has a significant impact on their field in the U.S. and that waiving the requirement of a job offer would be beneficial to the country.
Green Cards Through Investment
The EB-5 is a unique Green Card category that combines immigration with economic investment. It's designed for investors who are prepared to make a substantial financial contribution to the U.S. economy, with a minimum amount of $800,000 for regional center investments or $1,050,000 for direct investments. The EB-5 not only requires this significant monetary input but also requires the creation of at least 10 jobs, offering investors and their families a direct route to U.S. residency while fostering employment and community development.
Family-based Green Cards
Family-based Green Cards reflect the U.S.'s commitment to keeping families together. Spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens often have a more direct path to residency, reinforcing the importance of family in the fabric of American society. Other relatives may also be eligible, albeit with more extended waiting periods due to caps on certain family-based visa categories.
Each individual's Green Card journey adds a unique storyline to the U.S.’s ongoing narrative. Whether through professional distinction, investment, or family reunification, these paths contribute to the diversity and dynamism of the U.S. It is a privilege to witness and support these individuals in their pursuit of the American Dream, as they open the door to a future filled with opportunities in this land of promise.
