Provides information on how individuals that lack employer-sponsors can qualify to obtain permanent U.S. residence.

Immigration then and now -- All the ways to get a green card -- Short-term alternatives to a green card -- Will inadmissibility bar you from getting a green card? -- How long you'll have to wait -- Fiancé(e) visas -- Green cards through marriage -- Your parents as immigrants -- Child immigrants -- Orphan immigrants in non-hague-convention countries -- The diversity visa lottery -- Your brothers and sisters as immigrants -- Refugees and political asylees -- Military veterans and enlistees -- Cancellation of removal : do ten illegal years equal one green card? -- Adjustment of status -- Consular processing -- Deferred action for childhood arrivals -- U visas for crime victims assisting law enforcement -- Acquiring citizenship through U.S. citizen parents -- Filling out and submitting immigration applications -- Tracking your application through the system -- Keeping, renewing, and replacing your green card -- How to find and work with a lawyer.