In the context of U.S. immigration, who can initiate family reunification processes?

Family reunification processes are a fundamental aspect of U.S. immigration policy, aimed at ensuring that families can stay together. U.S. citizens have the ability to sponsor immediate relatives, such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings, for immigration. They can initiate the immigration process with greater flexibility, allowing for faster processing times for immediate relatives.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), while having certain limitations compared to U.S. citizens, can also initiate the family reunification process. They can sponsor their spouses and unmarried children for immigration, although there are certain categories and priority dates that may apply for more distant relatives.

The option stating that only U.S. citizens can initiate family reunification overlooks the significant role that lawful permanent residents play in this process. Individuals without legal status do not have the authority to initiate formal family reunification processes, as they lack the necessary legal standing to sponsor a relative.

Thus, the correct choice reflects the fact that both U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have the capacity to initiate family reunification processes, contributing to the goal of keeping families united within the immigration framework.