Family-Based Immigration: How to Petition for Your Mother

Mother’s Day brings up powerful emotions—especially for those whose mothers are far away or living in the U.S. without immigration status. Whether your mother is abroad or already here, undocumented and living in the shadows, there is a legal path to help bring her into safety and stability.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, one of the most meaningful steps you can take is to petition for your mom through a family-based immigration process.

Who Can Petition for Their Mother?

Only U.S. citizens who are 21 or older can petition for their mothers. Unfortunately, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to petition for parents.

What If My Mother Is Already in the U.S.?

If your mother is already in the U.S. and entered legally—even if her visa has expired—she may be eligible to adjust her status without leaving the country. This could mean:

• No longer living in fear of deportation

• Gaining work authorization

• Eventually qualifying for benefits and a green card

However, immigration history matters. If your mother entered without inspection or has other complications in her record, it’s important to talk to an experienced immigration attorney to explore waivers or other options.

What If My Mother Is Abroad?

If your mother is living outside the U.S., you can still file a petition for her using Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative). Once approved, she’ll go through consular processing in her home country.

Because parents of U.S. citizens are classified as immediate relatives, they do not have to wait for a visa number—there’s no backlog in this category. However, the process still involves multiple steps, including document review, background checks, and either consular interviews abroad or adjustment of status within the U.S. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and government workload.

What Documents Will I Need?

To file the petition, you’ll need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate)

• A copy of your birth certificate showing your mother's name

• Proof of your mother’s identity

• If she’s adjusting status in the U.S., evidence of her lawful entry

You’ll also need to submit Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) to show you can financially support her once she becomes a resident.

A Gift That Goes Beyond Flowers

Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts—it’s about love, legacy, and doing what we can to honor those who’ve given us everything. Filing a petition for your mother is a long-term commitment, but it’s one that could transform both of your lives.

Whether you want to help your mom live without fear, gain lawful status, or finally bring her to live near you, this is a step worth taking—even if it takes time.

Ready to Petition for Your Mom?

At LaGrone Law, we’re here to walk with you through the process—from the first form to the final approval. We’ll help you understand your options, gather the right documents, and avoid costly mistakes.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reuniting—or protecting—the most important woman in your life. Contact our office at 678-250-5449 or fill in the form below.