The process to obtain the Green Card for immigrants in the United States is a crucial step towards achieving permanent legal residence. The Green Card is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and grants various rights, including the ability to apply for US citizenship after five years.
However, for people from Cuba or Cuban citizens living in the United States, there is another option to obtain permanent residence through the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1996 (CAA), as indicated by USCIS.
In order to obtain a Green Card under CAA, USCIS requires applicants to meet specific requirements, including filing Form I-485, being a natural or Cuban citizen, having been inspected and admitted or obtained parole after January 1, 1959, and being physically present in the United States at the time of filing the form. Additionally, the main applicant must present evidence of Cuban citizenship or birth in Cuba, such as a Cuban passport or birth certificate.
The process to obtain the Green Card can take several months or up to a year. After submitting the application, applicants typically have to wait between four and eight weeks to receive a notice for an adjustment of status interview. The interview is usually scheduled 6 to 12 months after the application is filed, and if successful, the applicant could be granted permanent residency between 8 and 14 months after submitting the application.
The Biden administration has proposed creating a new visa category for those working in essential industries, such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, to have an opportunity to obtain permanent residency. By 2024, it is expected that the government will grant 165 thousand Green Cards or Permanent Residence Cards.
Overall, obtaining the Green Card is a significant step for immigrants in the United States, and the process involves meeting specific requirements and preparing for interviews before being granted permanent residency.