Legal options to emigrate to the United States and avoid risks at the border.

Thousands of people continue to risk their lives in search of a better future in the United States, often opting to cross the border with Mexico illegally. This route has become the most dangerous in the world, where an alarming number of 686 people died or disappeared in 2022, according to the International Organization for Migration. Increasingly, illegal migration is becoming a hot topic, but there is a safer and legal path for those who wish to settle in the North American country. Carla Reyna, an immigration attorney and CEO of Reyna Inmigrations, emphasizes the importance of seeking legal status that allows individuals to live, work, or study in the United States. There are various pathways to achieve this, and understanding them can be crucial for those yearning for a new beginning in this country. One of the most well-known ways to emigrate legally is through the Green Card, which grants permanent residency to foreigners. This document allows its holder to live, work, and study legally in the United States. Those who are unmarried children under the age of 21, spouses, or parents of U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. However, including siblings and children over 21 in the application can significantly prolong the process. The employment-based Green Card is another available option. This is granted through a petition from a company or organization that sponsors the immigrant. Applicants who possess extraordinary skills in areas such as science, business, or the arts have a higher chance of success in their applications. This process begins with the submission of a labor certification to the Department of Labor, where it is verified that there are no qualified U.S. citizens for the position in question. Another pathway is the K1 Visa, also known as the fiancé or fiancée visa. This option is for foreign citizens who plan to marry U.S. citizens. With this visa, the individual has a period of 90 days to enter the United States, get married, and then start the process to obtain permanent residency. Thus, it provides a temporary status with the possibility of becoming permanent. For those coming from countries with low immigration rates to the United States, there is the Diversity Visa Program. This system, commonly known as the visa lottery, randomly selects candidates who meet certain requirements, such as educational level or work experience. Registration for the 2026 edition will open between October 5 and November 9 of this year, providing opportunities for nationals from countries like Argentina, Cuba, and Peru, among others. On the other hand, the EB-5 Visa program invites investors to contribute economically to the country, offering a path to permanent residency. Those who invest $1.8 million in urban areas or $900,000 in rural areas, creating jobs for U.S. citizens, may qualify for this visa. This initiative, created in 1990, aims to stimulate the country's economy through foreign investment. Additionally, asylum cases have seen a significant increase in the last decade. To apply, the applicant must be physically present in the United States and demonstrate that they have suffered or have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. The application can include immediate family members, such as spouses and minor children, although the complexity of these cases makes it advisable to seek the counsel of a specialized attorney. In summary, the options for legally migrating to the United States are diverse, and each has its own processes and requirements. It is imperative that interested individuals seek the appropriate advice and inform themselves about the available alternatives. Migration, while challenging, can be undertaken safely and effectively if the right decisions are made. The information presented here is for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice; therefore, it is always best to consult a professional in the field.