Yemeni Family Petition in San Marcos: Reuniting Families from Yemen
I-130 family immigration help for the Yemeni community in North San Diego County
Quick Answer
For Yemeni families in San Marcos and North San Diego County seeking to reunite with relatives still in Yemen or other countries, the I-130 family petition is the primary path. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to navigate this process during challenging times.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Yemeni families in San Marcos and North San Diego County seeking to reunite with relatives still in Yemen or other countries, the I-130 family petition is the primary path. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to navigate this process during challenging times.
Family Immigration for Yemeni Families
Who Can Petition:
• U.S. Citizens: Can petition for spouse, children, parents, and siblings
• Green Card Holders: Can petition for spouse and unmarried children
Family Preference Categories
| Category | Relationship | Who Can Petition | Approximate Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Relative | Spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21 | U.S. Citizens | No quota - fastest |
| F1 | Unmarried adult children | U.S. Citizens | 7-10 years |
| F2A | Spouse, unmarried children under 21 | Green Card Holders | 2-3 years |
| F2B | Unmarried adult children | Green Card Holders | 10-12 years |
| F3 | Married children | U.S. Citizens | 13-15 years |
| F4 | Siblings | U.S. Citizens | 15-20+ years |
Special Challenges for Yemeni Families
- •U.S. Embassy in Sanaa has been closed since 2015
- •Visa interviews conducted in Djibouti or other third countries
- •Travel within and out of Yemen is extremely difficult
- •Document collection from Yemen is challenging
- •Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may be available for some
- •Security processing can be lengthy for Yemeni nationals
I-130 Petition Process
- •Step 1: Determine your eligibility and family category
- •Step 2: Complete Form I-130 for each relative
- •Step 3: Gather supporting documents (proof of status, relationship evidence)
- •Step 4: File with USCIS and pay filing fee ($535 per petition)
- •Step 5: USCIS reviews and approves I-130
- •Step 6: Case transfers to National Visa Center (NVC)
- •Step 7: NVC processes and schedules visa interview
- •Step 8: Relative attends interview at designated embassy
Required Documents
- •Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- •Proof of petitioner's U.S. citizenship or permanent residence
- •Proof of relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificate)
- •Passport-style photos of petitioner and beneficiary
- •Name change documents (if applicable)
- •Any prior immigration documents
- •Translation of all non-English documents
Proving Family Relationships
• Birth Certificates: Yemen birth certificates should be authenticated. If unavailable, secondary evidence may be accepted
• Marriage Certificates: Religious marriage (Nikah) contracts should be translated and may need additional civil documentation
• Sibling Relationships: Birth certificates showing common parents
• Adoption: Must meet U.S. legal standards for immigration purposes
DNA testing may be requested if documentary evidence is insufficient.
Visa Interview Locations for Yemenis
• Djibouti: Primary processing location for many Yemeni cases
• Cairo, Egypt: Alternative location
• Other designated posts
Travel to interview locations is difficult and expensive. Plan well in advance and work with family members to coordinate logistics.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemenis
• They may apply for TPS for temporary protection and work authorization
• TPS does not provide a path to green card by itself
• TPS holders can be beneficiaries of family petitions
• Combining TPS with family petition may provide options
Check current TPS registration periods and eligibility requirements.
Affidavit of Support
• Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, required for family immigrants
• Must show income at 125% of federal poverty guidelines
• Can use assets or joint sponsors if income is insufficient
• San Marcos has relatively high cost of living - plan accordingly
• Petitioner is legally responsible for financial support
Humanitarian Considerations
• Humanitarian Parole: For urgent humanitarian reasons, may provide faster entry
• Refugee Processing: If family members qualify as refugees
• Expedite Requests: For emergencies, USCIS may expedite processing
• Congressional Inquiry: Your representative's office can inquire about cases
Document any emergency circumstances thoroughly.
San Marcos Yemeni Family Services
- •I-130 family petition preparation
- •Category determination and strategy
- •Arabic to English translation of documents
- •Evidence compilation for relationships
- •National Visa Center processing
- •Affidavit of Support preparation
- •Coordination with consular processing
- •TPS application assistance
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long will it take to bring my family from Yemen?
A: It depends on the category. Immediate relatives (spouse, parents, minor children of citizens) can take 1-2 years. Other categories have quotas and can take 7-20+ years. The closed embassy and security processing add additional time.
Q:The embassy in Yemen is closed. How can my family interview?
A: Yemeni visa applicants typically interview in Djibouti or other designated posts. This requires travel outside Yemen, which is challenging but necessary for processing.
Q:Can I petition for my parents who are still in Yemen?
A: Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen. Parents of U.S. citizens are immediate relatives with no quota. However, they will still need to travel to an interview location outside Yemen.
Q:What if I don't have my family member's birth certificate?
A: If birth certificates are unavailable from Yemen, you can submit secondary evidence such as religious records, school records, or affidavits. USCIS may also request DNA testing to confirm relationships.
Q:My sibling is in danger in Yemen. Is there a faster way?
A: Sibling petitions have very long wait times (15-20 years). For immediate danger, explore humanitarian parole, refugee processing through UNHCR, or consult with an immigration attorney about emergency options.
Q:Can I sponsor my family if I have TPS?
A: TPS alone doesn't allow you to petition for family members. Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can file I-130 petitions. If you have TPS and want to sponsor family, you would first need to obtain a green card.
Need Help with Yemeni Family Petitions in San Marcos?
We understand the challenges Yemeni families face. Our Arabic-speaking team can help you navigate the family petition process to reunite with your loved ones.
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