Bringing Parents to USA from Anaheim: Complete Guide for Arab Families
Step-by-step parent sponsorship guide for Little Arabia's Arab-American community
Quick Answer
Anaheim's Little Arabia on Brookhurst Street is the heart of Orange County's Arab-American community. For U.S. citizens in this vibrant community who want to bring their parents from the Middle East, the I-130 petition process offers a relatively fast path to family reunification.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Anaheim's Little Arabia on Brookhurst Street is the heart of Orange County's Arab-American community. For U.S. citizens in this vibrant community who want to bring their parents from the Middle East, the I-130 petition process offers a relatively fast path to family reunification.
Can I Bring My Parents to America?
Important: Green card holders cannot petition for parents. You must be a naturalized U.S. citizen to sponsor your mother or father.
Requirements for Sponsoring Parents in Anaheim
- •Be a U.S. citizen (naturalized or born)
- •Be at least 21 years old
- •Have proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate)
- •Be able to financially support your parents (meet income requirements)
- •Have proof of parent-child relationship
Income Requirements for Parent Sponsorship
| Household Size | Minimum Annual Income (2025) | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (you + 1 parent) | $25,550 | $2,129 |
| 3 (you + 2 parents) | $32,187 | $2,682 |
| 4 (you + spouse + 1 parent) | $38,825 | $3,235 |
| 5 (you + spouse + 2 parents) | $45,462 | $3,789 |
| Each additional person | +$6,637 | +$553 |
The Parent Green Card Process
- 1File I-130 Petition
Submit Form I-130 to USCIS with proof of your citizenship and relationship to your parent
- 2Wait for Approval
USCIS reviews your petition. As immediate relatives, parents don't face visa backlogs
- 3Consular Processing or Adjustment
If parents are abroad, they attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy. If in the US legally, they may adjust status
- 4Complete Affidavit of Support
File Form I-864 proving you meet income requirements to support your parents
- 5Parents Receive Green Cards
After approval and interview, parents become permanent residents
Processing Times for Parents (2025)
- •I-130 Petition Approval: 12-18 months
- •Consular Processing: 4-8 months after I-130 approval
- •Total Timeline: 18-24 months average
- •Adjustment of Status (if parents are in US): 12-18 months after I-130
Sponsoring Both Parents at Once
• Each parent needs their own I-130 form and filing fee
• Your income must support both parents plus your household
• If one parent is a stepparent, you must have had the relationship before turning 18
• Divorced parents can each be sponsored independently
What Documents Do I Need?
- •Your U.S. passport or naturalization certificate
- •Your birth certificate showing parent's name
- •Parent's birth certificate and passport
- •Parent's marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Evidence of any name changes
- •Your recent tax returns (3 years)
- •Employment letter and pay stubs
- •Passport-style photos
Arabic Document Translation
• Certificate of translation accuracy
• Translator's certification statement
• Acceptance by all USCIS offices
• Quick turnaround times
Using a Joint Sponsor
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Live in the United States
• Meet the income requirements on their own
• Agree to be financially responsible for your parents
Why Anaheim Families Choose Us
- •Fluent Arabic and English speaking staff
- •Deep understanding of Middle Eastern cultures
- •Certified translation services on-site
- •Experience with Egyptian, Lebanese, Palestinian, and other Arab families
- •Affordable flat-fee pricing
- •Free parking and easy access from Anaheim
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does it take to bring parents to USA from Anaheim?
A: The total process typically takes 18-24 months. Parents are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, so there's no visa backlog waiting period like other family categories.
Q:Can green card holders sponsor parents?
A: No. Only U.S. citizens can petition for parents. If you're a green card holder, you must first naturalize before you can bring your parents to America.
Q:What if my income is too low to sponsor my parents?
A: You can use a joint sponsor who meets the income requirements, or count your spouse's income if you file taxes jointly. We can help you explore all options during your consultation.
Q:Can I sponsor my stepparent?
A: Yes, but the marriage creating the step-relationship must have occurred before you turned 18 years old.
Q:Do you translate Arabic documents for parent petitions?
A: Yes! We provide certified Arabic-to-English translations that are accepted by USCIS. Our translators are experienced with birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other official documents from Middle Eastern countries.
Q:Can my parents work after getting their green cards?
A: Yes. Once your parents receive their green cards, they can work legally in the United States without needing a separate work permit.
Ready to Bring Your Parents to America?
Let our Arabic-speaking team help you navigate the parent sponsorship process. We serve families throughout Anaheim's Little Arabia and Orange County.