Cost and Legal Paths to Immigrate to the USA from Mexico

Immigrating to the USA from Mexico might seem daunting, especially considering the financial and bureaucratic requirements. However, the truth is that while some costs cannot be avoided, there are legal pathways to consider. This article will explore the costs involved and the various legal routes that can be taken, including family sponsorship, employment sponsorship, and the visa lottery.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Unlike some countries, the USA does not require a large income or savings to immigrate legally. The only financial obligations typically pertain to the costs of biometrics and paperwork. These are essential steps in the immigration process and are usually covered by employers in the case of work sponsorship or by the applicant in other cases.

For instance, my wife’s background check, medical examination, and visa application process cost considerably less than the $25,000 I paid. In many cases, these expenses are largely covered by an employer or family member willing to sponsor the immigrant.

It is nearly impossible to immigrate to the USA without a sponsor, whether that be a US employer, immediate family member such as a spouse who is a US citizen, or wealthy investors capable of making significant investments in the US. There are no “lines” for most people as there are in other countries, making the process both challenging and expensive for those seeking a legal pathway.

Legal Routes to Immigration

The legal routes to immigrating to the USA from Mexico are primarily through family sponsorship, work sponsorship, or the visa lottery. Each route has its challenges and requirements:

Family Sponsorship: If you are a son, daughter, mother, father, spouse, or fiancé of a US citizen, you have a chance to legally immigrate. This process, however, is lengthy and complex. Notably, it was suspended by the former President under the label of “shthole countries,” but it can still be pursued.Work Sponsorship: If you have exceptional skills that the US workforce cannot provide, such as a highly specialized profession or a rare talent, you may qualify for a work-based visa. As an example, a highly skilled neurosurgeon from Mexico can find work in the USA. However, even world-class athletes do not automatically qualify, as shown by the example of a top NFL player whose older brother could not get a Green Card simply due to his exceptional talent.Visa Lottery: Citizens of eligible countries, including Mexico, can apply for the Visa Lottery. This program is a form of random selection, and it provides an opportunity to the less fortunate to enter the USA legally. While it requires no cost, it is highly competitive, with millions of applications and relatively few winners.

Why Legal Routes are Challenging

Due to the stringent requirements and the lack of legal pathways, many immigrants from Mexico choose to come to the USA illegally. This is especially true for those who do not have immediate family members in the USA, are not qualified for work sponsorship, or do not qualify for the visa lottery.

The journey involves significant risk and uncertainty, including the possibility of being caught and deported. The legal routes, while challenging, offer a safer and more sustainable path to residency and citizenship.

Conclusion

While the legal pathways to immigrating to the USA from Mexico can be costly and challenging, they do exist. Understanding the costs and the legal requirements is crucial for those seeking a legal immigration route. Whether through work sponsorship, family connections, or the visa lottery, there are options available, though they may not always be straightforward or immediate.