Applying for permanent residency is not always a perfect process. According to the American Immigration Council, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) awards 675,000 visas every year. However, these allowances cover a broad range of categories for immigrants.
Do not give up if you apply for a green card and receive a rejection notice. You have several legal options to appeal or renew the process.
Apply for a review
The best-case scenario for immigrants seeking permanent residency is an accepted mailed-in application. If this does not happen, the USCIS will send you a notice explaining why they rejected the application. Depending on your situation, you might be able to request a decision review. You will need an attorney who specializes in immigration law to do this. Unfortunately, the fee is $675, according to the official USCIS website.
Submit a new application
Sometimes your best option is to create a new application. Most green card denials do not have a restriction on future applications. Before submitting a second application, you need to correct the issue with your original application. You might have to return to your country of origin and redo the application process later. Your other option is to apply through a U.S. consulate. Do not decide to reapply without first consulting an attorney.
A USCIS rejection is not the end of your permanent residency status. However, for your appeal or second application to be a success, you need to understand why immigration services rejected your application in the first place. Failure to comply with United States laws might result in deportation.