My Green Card Journey

Natalia Hynes • July 10, 2021

Green Card based on Marriage 👰

      Under the current American Immigration System, there are three major paths to becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, popularly known as a "Green Card Holder." One is: Family Ties. This means that a qualifying family member, such as a spouse, parent or child, sponsors your application. A second path is: Employment Ties. Meaning that your employer sponsors your application. And third is: Humanitarian Reasons. This is the least common of the three paths, and involves getting residence through a humanitarian immigration program, such as asylum or refugee status. This article explores the first path, obtaining a green card based through marriage, and is the story of my personal experience, getting my green card through marriage to my husband. 

Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe
Button
Photo By: John Doe
Button

Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe
Button

 Click here to read this article in Spanish

       Several years ago, I came to the United States on a student visa (F-1/I-20.) Along the way, I fell in love ❤ and married 💑 an extraordinary American gentleman. I always tell him, “Your species- gentlemen- are slowly becoming extinct.” Yes, honestly, a gentleman in all the sense of the word is so difficult to find nowadays. I was tremendously lucky.  After our marriage, we decided to stay and make our life here in the United States, so we consulted an immigration expert to find a way to obtain my “Green Card.” 


         Once my case was reviewed and analyzed, I was told that I was eligible to “adjust my status through my marriage.” Some of you might ask 🤔, “what does this mean, Adjustment of Status?”. For me too, this was the first time that I had heard that phrase. I looked it up in the Cambridge Dictionary and found, “Adjustment of Status is the process that you can use to apply for lawful permanent resident status when you are present in the United States.”  I soon learned about each step of the “Adjustment of Status” process, such as the preparation of forms, collection of documents, biometrics appointments, work permit, social security card, and the big one, the interview.


      After each part of the process was broken down, it was much easier for me to understand the whole immigration process. What follows is my own experience during each step of my immigration journey, if you are eligible for and considering this process, I hope that reading about my experience and breaking down each step helps you.   

1. Forms and Documents. 

Be prepared to answer millions of questions 😩, sometimes very personal questions; I had never answered so many questions in my life. Not even when I applied for a student visa at the American Embassy in Lima! My responses were used to complete more than five official forms which my attorney submitted to USCIS. The forms were packaged with some essential documents from my husband, myself and our attorney. The overall package was then filed with USCIS. A short while later, USCIS sent over “Receipt Notices’’ confirming that they had received my case and that it was in process.


One piece of advice 👍 If an immigration expert asks you a question or requests a document, please provide the information or document. There is always (let me emphasize, always) a legal reason behind his or her request. 

2. Biometrics Appointment. 

Months after receiving the Receipt Notices, I received notice of the biometrics appointment (this is where USCIS takes your fingerprints). As I was entering into the Application Support Center (ASC), my heart was beating so fast. This was my first contact with USCIS. After my fingerprints were taken, the officer sealed and signed the notice as evidence that I had attended the appointment.

3. Work Permit and Social Security Number. 

During the Lawful Permanent Resident process, some applicants have the option to apply for a work permit and social security number at the time they send in their adjustment application. I did not apply for this permit because I was a full-time student. Usually, the work permit arrives simultaneously with the Social Security Card. In my case, obviously, it did not. My attorney applied for my Social Security card after I had already obtained my green card (which is another option).

4. Preparation Meeting for the Interview. 

Finally, after months of waiting, I received notice that my case had been scheduled for an interview! Yay! 🤗 


    When I saw the interview notice, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I was thrilled to tears; on the other hand, my nerves were up to the sky.  Take it from me, the preparation you do with your attorney for the interview is vital to a successful case. The preparation is like drinking water in the middle of the Sahara Desert on a summer day. Do you get the idea? An expert will guide you meticulously on what would happen on the day of the interview and the multiple scenarios that can be presented; oh yes, there can be thousands of scenarios that only an immigration lawyer will know how to handle in your favor.


Additionally, keep in mind: the advice of an immigration expert has much more value than your friend’s comment on the subject (whether they have personally also been through the process or not). From a friend’s unique experience, you cannot – and should not- formulate a general rule. The immigration process is different for everyone. 

5. Interview. 

The night before the interview, to relax my nerves, I saw two films , "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and "Green Card" with Andie MacDowell. 

Both movies were very appropriate to be watching the night before my immigration interview and both are love stories, full of hope and promise; exactly the kind of mindset I wanted to be in before the big day ahead of me. Once I watched those films, I felt like I was ready. 


     From the moment my husband and I were called to be interviewed, I felt like I was under the officer's magnifying glass 😳 . I would say that the interview took 5 hours; however, my husband would immediately correct me (like any other husband in the world) and would remind me that the interview only lasted 30 minutes. The officer went over the forms and asked some specific questions about our home; then, he stood from his chair and, extending his hand, and said to me smiling, "Mrs. Hynes, welcome to the United States of America.” 😍 It was one of the happiest days of my life. Weeks after the interview, I received the famous “Green Card" via mail.  

         Some love stories, like mine, have happy endings, just like the movies - “The Proposal ” and “Green Card ”. If you have any questions or concerns about the Green Card based on marriage, please schedule a free intake with me. We look forward to helping you with your immigration case and hope that you too will find your happy ending! 👩


This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.


Natalia Hynes

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.

The Secret Weapon in Your O-1A or EB-1A Petition: A Powerful Letter of Recommendation

By Shirin Navabi • July 17, 2025
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
Show More