Green Card Options for Undocumented Immigrants
June 12, 2025
Starting the journey to obtain a green card can be challenging, especially for those who entered the United States without proper documentation. Fortunately, U.S. immigration law provides several legal avenues that might allow you to adjust your status and obtain permanent residency. We’ll take you through six important ways you might qualify for a green card, even if you initially entered the country illegally. Understanding these options can help you take the right steps toward Lawful Permanent Residency.
LaToya McBean Pompy, who immigrated to the United States herself, was inspired to help families unite by founding McBean Law, a New York immigration law firm. If you or a loved one needs assistance with denaturalization issues or visa applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her team of experienced immigration attorneys, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Here Are 6 Ways You Might Qualify for a Green Card
Below are six important legal pathways that may allow you to qualify for Lawful Permanent Resident, even if you initially entered the U.S. without proper documentation:
1. Asylum
If you fear persecution in your home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may apply for asylum. However, asylum is incredibly difficult to obtain. Many people who apply do not qualify under U.S. asylum laws, so it’s essential to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before applying for asylum.
2. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
VAWA allows for abused spouses, children of U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, and abused parents of U.S. Citizen sons or daughters to apply for immigration relief—like a green card—without the involvement of the abusive family member.
3. U Visa (For Victims of Crime)
If you’ve been a victim of certain crimes while in the U.S. and have cooperated with law enforcement, you may be eligible for a U visa. Though the wait time for a green card through this route is lengthy (5–7 years on average), it’s a solid option for many crime victims.
4. T Visa (For Victims of Human Trafficking)
Victims of human trafficking—whether for labor or sex—may qualify for a T visa. This visa helps individuals who were coerced, forced, or tricked into exploitative situations. If granted, it can lead to permanent residency in the U.S.
5. Cancellation of Removal
If you are already in removal proceedings, you might qualify for a green card through cancellation of removal. To qualify, you must:
- Have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Show that removal would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
- Have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Show that removal would cause extreme hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative.
This option is only available through the immigration court.
6. Section 245(i) Adjustment of Status (Amnesty Provision)
If someone filed a family or employment-based immigration petition for you on or before April 30, 2001, you may still be able to adjust your status under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This provision requires careful documentation and legal analysis, so seek a professional attorney’s help to explore eligibility.
Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy shares strategies that may help you stay in the U.S. legally. Head over to McBean Immigration TV and watch the full playlist now!
