• With the proper connections, you could find yourself living legally in the U.S.A.liberty and flag image by zampa from Fotolia.com
  
  Just because you aren't a U.S. citizen doesn't mean you can't live legally in the United States. By applying for permanent residency--known more commonly as a "green card"--foreign citizens can live and work in the U.S. legally. All potential permanent residents must petition the government for a green card or have it done on their behalf. A connection within the U.S. greatly improves one's chances of becoming a permanent resident.
  
  

Family

• If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you have a good chance of receiving permanent residency. Immediate relatives--that is, children (if they are single and under 21), spouse or parents (if child is over 21) of citizens--are the most likely to gain permanent residency. Other relatives, such as unmarried children 21 years or older, married children or siblings of a U.S. citizen are put in a "preference category." The number of visas granted in this category is limited, so there may be a waiting list.
  
  

Job

• If a U.S. employer has offered you a job, you may be eligible for permanent residency. The employer will have to file the proper forms. Green cards may also be available for investors or entrepreneurs whose business interests create jobs for U.S. citizens. In certain cases, immigrants may file for their own employment-based residency, but only if they are highly skilled or granted a "national interest waiver" showing that a U.S. government agency is interested in their work.
  
  

Refugee/Asylum

• Refugees and those seeking asylum are foreign citizens who have been granted protection from persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, social group or politics. If you have been granted refugee or asylum status, you must apply for permanent residency after one year of living in the U.S.