Immigrants to the United States are divided into two categories, those who may obtain permanent residence status without numerical limitation, and those subject to an annual constraint. Those subject to an annual limitation are further divided into (A) family-sponsored, (B) employment-based, and (C) diversity immigrants.
I. UNLIMITED IMMIGRANTS
A. Immediate Relatives: The spouse, widow(er) and minor unmarried children of a United States citizen, and the parents of a United States citizen who is 21 or older.
B. Returning Residents: Previous U.S. lawful permanent residents who are returning to the U.S. after a stay of more than one year abroad.
II. LIMITED IMMIGRANTS
Subject to certain transitional laws, immigration into the United States beginning in 1995 will be limited to 675,000 persons per year. That figure is divided into three distinct sub-categories.
A. USA Family-Based Immigration Visas
B. USA Employment-Based Immigration Visas
C. USA Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery (USA Green Card Lottery)
