Growing up, my family situation has become more complicated as immigration questions come up. My dad is married to a U.S. green card holder, and I am now twenty years old trying to understand how that relationship might affect my future. I am originally from Ethiopia and want to know if this marriage creates any legal path for me. Can a parent’s marriage to a permanent resident help me immigrate, and what limits should I be aware of?

Question

Jibril Elmi · Accepted Answer

A green card holder can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children, but stepchildren must meet specific age and timing requirements. The marriage must have occurred before you turned eighteen to qualify as a stepchild.

Jibril Elmi · Answer

If you do not meet the stepchild definition, the marriage alone will not create a direct path for you. Other immigration options would need to be explored separately.

Marzanna Kowalska · Answer

Your age and the date of the marriage are very important factors. Family-based categories are strict and do not allow exceptions easily. An immigration attorney can review your family timeline to confirm whether any sponsorship option exists.

Dawit Gebremariam

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