Let your DNA guide you to a Green Card

Step by Step Guide to Family Based Immigration into the United States

Do you have a relative living in the United States?
Is your relative a U.S. citizen?  (see below for Permanant Resident status)
Are you a spouse? (IR 1)
Are you an unmarried child under the age of 21 (IR 2)
Are you an adopted orphan of a U.S. citizen? (IR 3, 4)
Are you a parent of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older? (IR 5)

If you answered yes, to any of the above questions and can prove the biological relationship then you qualify for family based immigration and in most cases you do not have to wait for VISA numbers.  The U.S. citizen files an I-130 and you enter the U.S. as a non immigrant and then file an I-485 to adjust your status and receive your green card.  Other family members, also qualify for family based immigration but need to wait for VISA numbers.  Here is the current order of preference:

F1 - unmarried children (and your children) of a  U.S. citizen and you are 21 or older, 
F3 - married children (and your spouse and children) of a U.S. citizen
F4 - brother or sister (and your children) of a U.S. citizen who is 21 or older

The gold standard in proof of a biological relationship to a  U.S. citizen is a DNA test.  DNA tests today are accomplished via a non-invasive cotton swab of the inside of the mouth.  In order to be accepted by a U.S. government agency, the laboratory has to have minimum accreditation of American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the DNA collection has to be performed by a third, disinterested neutral party.  There are DNA collection sites and over the counter DNA kits springing up all over the United States and abroad.  Be careful to chose a lab that has experience with DNA tests in your country of origin, is accredited by the necessary institutions to insure quality and accuracy and will assist you in interpreting results once received (can an 800 operator do that?)  The over the counter or do it yourself kits are not an acceptable method for immigration or any other legal initiative.  A local DNA collections expert can confirm your appointment in one phone call and arrange for the DNA collection of your family member in a foreign country.  As long as everyone follows the instructions of the local DNA collections expert, the process of identifying your family members via DNA can be accomplished in as quickly as one month.  The country or origin, ie, India or China, may take a bit longer than Haiti or Santo Domingo only due to proximity and Embassy approved facilities availability.  Each country varies but if a local passport is available as a means of identification, then bring the passport along with other forms of identification to the DNA collection appointment.
 
Note 1:  If your relative in the United States is not a U.S. Citizen but is a Permanent Resident and you are a spouse or unmarried child, you qualify for 2nd Preference VISA -  you still have to wait for a VISA number to enter the USA but you may qualify for a V Visa.  Your relative has to file an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, which is sent to the National Visa Center.  The National Visa Center will send out instructions regarding interview, medical exams, security checks (DNA tests) which you must follow in a timely manner.  After which you receive your immigrant VISA, and you enter the USA as a conditional Permanent Resident on your way to a Green Card. 

While there are many ways in which to enter the United States legally, ie, employment based with adjustment of status, employment based through consular processing, immigration through a diversity lotto or immigration through investment, most chose to enter the United States through family based immigration.  DNA tests are easily attainable, affordable and considered the gold standard in biological identification.  Ask your local DNA collections expert to discuss with you their accreditations and experience working with your country of origin.