Immigration to America is a dream of a large segment of Arab youth, but during travel attempts, some may lose the right path, and may become a victim of some exploiters of their need to emigrate, despite having the qualified capabilities to realize their dream of work or study.
Here, many need some advice and answer their inquiries, so Al Jazeera Net had this meeting with Muhammad Al-Sharnoubi, a lawyer for immigration cases and affairs in America.
What are the immigration opportunities to America that you are currently recommending to young people?
The best opportunities I always recommend to young Arabs to enter America is to study in the first place. I always encourage young people to study through the F1 student visa.
The opportunity to study begins after obtaining a high school diploma, then joins American universities in various disciplines and even obtains a doctorate.
After completing the targeted study, the student is entitled to obtain a work permit for one year in America in all fields.
But based on the latest recommendations put forward by the administration of US President Joe Biden, students enrolled in STEM fields of study (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are entitled to work for 3 years full-time (40 hours), which is called Optional practical training, and they can even get a permanent residence "Green Card".
Muhammad Al-Sharnoubi, a lawyer for immigration cases and affairs in America (Al-Jazeera)
What are the requirements for university studies in America?
The student must prove that he can afford the university education expenses along with the accommodation costs, and he must meet the entry requirements for each university of the required academic degrees, which differ from one university to another.
With regard to language, universities may absorb the intermediate language level, but it must be taken into account that the student's English level should be good.
Some young people ask me: Can I travel to America to study English?
I tell them: Yes, there are English language and student exchange programs, but it does not make sense that the reason for applying for an F1 student visa is to obtain an initial level of the language.
I always advise young people not to lie in visa interviews at the embassy, and to present papers and logical reasons to travel as long as you want to travel in legitimate ways to build your future.
Is the holder of the "F1" visa entitled to accompany him?
Yes, the wife and children under the age of 18 have the right to accompany the holder of the "F1" visa.
It has been noticed during the past year that the US embassies delayed issuing visas and completing immigration and family reunification procedures. Have the conditions improved recently?
During the past two years, a noticeable delay occurred, coinciding with the last months of the administration of former President Donald Trump and the repercussions of the Corona pandemic, which caused the suspension of visa issuance and immigration procedures for months.
But the good news is that embassies are currently working diligently to complete these procedures, especially in Turkey, some Gulf countries and Egypt, and embassies attach importance to files of family reunification, study and investment, followed by tourist visas.
Some people wonder about the investment visa, is it available to everyone?
And what are its terms?
Unfortunately, the "E-1" investment visa is not popular with many, although it is a good way to work, legally reside and invest in America, and it has more than one image.
First we talk about the “E1” investment visa for trade, based on the trade exchange agreement and the opening of common markets between America and a number of countries, namely Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman and Bahrain. Citizens of those countries can establish projects inside America without specifying an amount for investment, but for example For example, it is possible to pay a percentage of the value of the project and complete the rest of the amount during the implementation of the investment stages.
But it must be a real project, and to some extent related to your experience, field of study or work, or have a logical feasibility study that proves the seriousness of the applicant in obtaining the investor visa.
It is noteworthy that all project ideas can become acceptable, but innovative ideas undoubtedly raise the investor's balance.
This visa is for two years and is renewed constantly, but in its current form it does not grant permanent residence.
Are there other types of investment visas?
There is an EB 5 visa for establishing a new project, that is, not an already established project, with a value of $ 550,000, provided that 10 project employees are employed, and they are not required to be US citizens, but they must have work permits This visa grants its holder permanent residence in the United States.
As for the "L1" visa, it means opening new branches in America for your original project or company in your country.
Should these projects achieve profits at specific rates?
No, even if the project does not achieve profits or incurs a loss, the US government understands that the projects may profit or lose, and the reasons for that loss or the expenses that did not cause the investor to obtain a profit must be presented.
In the end, the US government cares about the continuous investment movement and not a fixed amount of investment, the investor in all cases contributes to employment and alleviating the burden of unemployment.
However, I do not advise anyone to invest without a real plan and an actual project that they want to implement in America. Investment and earning opportunities are open. You should not put your money in order to obtain residency only. You can invest, earn and develop your projects, in addition to following the path of legal residency in America as well.
What is your advice to young people wishing to immigrate to America?
Testimonies and language are the most important keys that Arab youth possess, and they are also America's goal in the next ten years.
Do not allow anyone to take advantage of your desire to immigrate badly, and ask the specialists, you have good chances to build the future if you prove that you are useful elements for your societies.
If the young man is creative or excels in his field of study and has articles published in scientific journals or has activities that are useful to people, why should he resort to incorrect paths of immigration, on the contrary, there are areas that welcome him and need to benefit from his experiences.