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Are You Eligible for a Green Card?
Whether you're eligible for a green card depends on your situation. Most people qualify through one of four main pathways: a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a job offer from a U.S. employer, refugee or asylum status, or a special program like the diversity visa lottery.
You don't have to meet every requirement in every category. You just have to meet the requirements for the one that applies to you. If you're trying to figure out which path applies to your situation in 2026, a Plano, TX immigration lawyer can help you sort through the details from the start.
What Are the Main Ways To Qualify for a Green Card?
Your eligibility depends almost entirely on which category you fall into. Here is a breakdown of the most common routes.
Can a Family Member Sponsor You?
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1151, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, are exempt from the annual visa caps that apply to other family-based categories. This means the wait is generally shorter than for other categories.
Why is the Naturalization Test Important?
The naturalization test matters because it stands between you and U.S. citizenship. Passing it means you've demonstrated the knowledge and commitment the law requires to become an American citizen.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a large majority of applicants pass on the first try, and you can too with preparation and support. If you have questions about the naturalization process in 2026, a Plano, TX immigration lawyer can walk you through every step and help you feel confident going in.
What Does the Naturalization Test Cover?
The naturalization test has two parts. The first is an English language component, which tests your ability to speak, read, and write in English. The second is a civics component, which covers U.S. history and government.
Does a Criminal Record Impact Becoming a U.S. Citizen?
A criminal record can affect your ability to achieve U.S. citizenship, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you. It depends on the type of offense, when it happened, and how you've lived since then.
USCIS recently announced it now requires officers to look for positive contributions to American society – not just the absence of bad behavior – when deciding whether an applicant has good moral character, which is a required part of the citizenship process.
If you have a criminal record and are hoping to pursue citizenship in 2026, our Dallas, TX immigration lawyer can help you understand where you stand and what your options are.
What Happens During a Naturalization Interview?
Residents of the United States who want to become U.S. citizens in 2026 must attend a naturalization interview. This interview is a key step in the citizenship process, and applicants must pass the interview before taking the Oath of Allegiance. The session is designed to confirm your identity, evaluate your level of fluency with the English language, and test your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Not passing the interview can block you from getting citizenship, which is why it is best to prepare by consulting a Dallas immigration attorney. Understanding what to expect can help you arrive confident and ready to succeed.
Are You Eligible for Naturalization?
To qualify for naturalization, you must meet several requirements:
U.S. Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced a major change that will affect thousands of families waiting for immigrant visas. Starting January 21, the United States is suspending the final issuance of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries. This pause affects people from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caribbean who are trying to immigrate permanently to the United States.
If you or your family members are from one of the affected countries and have been waiting for an immigrant visa, this suspension creates immediate uncertainty. The pause does not close the border or stop all immigration processing, but it does freeze the final step that allows approved applicants to receive their visas and enter the United States.
5 Common Mistakes in Green Card Applications
Applying for a green card in 2026 requires very careful attention to detail. The process involves multiple forms, strict deadlines, and specific documentation. A single mistake can result in a denial of your application, forcing you to start over and pay additional fees.
Thousands of green card applications are rejected each year because of preventable errors. Understanding the most common mistakes can help you avoid delays and increase your chances of approval. If you are applying for lawful permanent residency, working with a skilled Plano green card attorney is a smart choice.
What Are the Most Common Mistakes in Green Card Applications?
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Some applicants, particularly those for whom English is a second language, struggle with providing complete and accurate information. This may be because:
What To Know About USCIS Requests for Evidence in 2026
If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), it does not automatically mean your immigration case will be denied. An RFE means U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) needs more information before making a decision.
In 2026, RFEs remain common across many application types, and how you respond can directly affect the outcome of your case. If you have questions about an RFE, our Dallas, TX immigration lawyer can help you understand what USCIS is asking for and how to respond properly.
What Is a Request for Evidence From USCIS?
An RFE is a formal notice sent by USCIS when an application or petition is missing information, contains inconsistencies, or needs clarification. USCIS issues RFEs under its general authority to request additional documentation, including under 8 C.F.R. § 103.2(b)(8), which allows officers to seek more evidence before approving or denying a case.
Texas Families Impacted by Pause on 19-Country Immigration
On December 3, 2025, immigration applications from 19 countries subject to a travel ban were paused indefinitely. The administration claimed the pause was due to national security concerns. The policy memo posted to the website of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also placed an immediate "adjudicative hold" on all asylum applications, regardless of the person’s nationality, and directed a review of "high-risk countries of concern" admitted after January 20, 2021.
The administration also stated that "anyone who is not a net asset to the United States" would be removed. This news sent shockwaves through many Texas communities. Families who were already navigating the long, stressful immigration process now face considerably more uncertainty.
Stalled case updates, sudden eligibility questions, concerns about whether loved ones will reach the U.S., and worries about whether those already here will be forced to leave are all likely. Employers sponsoring workers, Texans with immigrant relatives, or individuals waiting on consular processing must understand what this new "pause" actually means. An experienced Dallas, TX immigration attorney is ready to help you understand your best path forward.
Texas County Border Resolutions Affect Mixed-Status Families
Across Texas, counties are increasingly adopting "border security" resolutions or participating in enforcement efforts. These efforts are expanding immigration-related activities into local jurisdictions. While most attention focuses on state and federal immigration, county actions can have immediate consequences for mixed-status families. A mixed-status family means some family members are U.S. citizens or lawful residents, while others are undocumented.
This increased local enforcement, along with shifts in county sheriff department priorities and formal cooperation with federal agencies, can threaten family unity. Understanding how these resolutions work and how they can impact mixed-status households is critical. Speaking to a knowledgeable Dallas, TX immigration attorney can help you determine what you can do now to protect your family and your future.
DACA Recipients in Texas May Have Work Permits Revoked
As immigration laws continue to change almost weekly, a new proposal from the current administration could strip more than 86,000 Texas DACA recipients of their work permits. DACA recipients, also known as "Dreamers," have been a part of a years-long battle between Obama-era programs and the Trump administration. Now, it is looking like these DACA recipients may have no choice but to leave their homes in Texas and move to a state where they are allowed to work and make a living.
Judge Andrew Hanen, a U.S. District Court judge, will soon rule on a proposal submitted by the current administration that could render Texas DACA recipients ineligible for work permits typically offered under former DACA rules. If you find yourself in this untenable situation – potentially forced to move your family to a state that will let you work – it is time to speak to a knowledgeable Plano, TX immigration lawyer.
From our offices in Dallas and Plano, Texas, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas including Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Carrollton, Garland, Addison, Richardson, Allen, Murphy, Wylie, McKinney, Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, and all of Northeastern Texas.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
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