If you are reading this, you may be looking for help with a family-based immigration case. You may feel scared, confused, or unsure about what will happen next. That is completely normal. These cases are very personal, and they can affect the people you love the most. When you are trying to bring a family member to the United States, every detail matters. One of the most important tools in some of these cases is DNA testing. It can help prove a family relationship when papers or records are missing or not accepted. This page will help you understand how DNA testing works and why it can make a big difference in your immigration process here in New Jersey.
Understanding Family-Based Immigration Cases
Family-based immigration allows a person who is already a U.S. citizen or legal resident to help certain family members come to the United States. This can include a spouse, child, parent, or sometimes a brother or sister. To do this, you must show that you and your relative have a true family connection. In many cases, documents like birth certificates or marriage certificates are enough. But sometimes, the U.S. immigration office needs more proof. This is where DNA testing comes in.
When DNA Testing Becomes Important
There are many reasons why documents may not be enough. In some countries, birth records may not have been kept correctly. In others, the documents may have errors in names or dates. Sometimes, a child may have been raised by someone who is not their biological parent, but no one realized the paperwork was wrong. These situations are not unusual, and they can create big problems in a family-based immigration case. DNA testing helps by giving clear scientific proof of a family relationship. It can show whether two people are truly related as parent and child, or siblings, or in other close ways.
How DNA Testing Works in These Cases
If the immigration officer decides more proof is needed, they may suggest DNA testing. It is important to know that DNA testing is never forced. You always have a choice. But if you decide not to do the test, your case might be denied because there is not enough evidence to prove your family connection.
When you agree to the test, it must be done through a lab that is approved by the U.S. government. This means the lab follows strict rules to make sure the results are correct.
Usually, the process involves taking a small sample of saliva from the inside of your cheek using a cotton swab. It does not hurt and only takes a few minutes. Both the petitioner (the person in the U.S.) and the beneficiary (the person trying to immigrate) must take the test. If the beneficiary is in another country, the U.S. embassy or consulate will help arrange for them to give their sample.
Why DNA Results Matter So Much
Once the test is done, the lab compares the DNA from both people. If the results show a close match, the lab will send a report with a percentage showing how likely the relationship is. For example, a parent and child usually have a 99.99% match. Immigration officers rely on this report to decide if they will approve the case. If the DNA results show a strong match, your case is much more likely to move forward in a positive way. But if the results do not show a match, it could hurt the case, or even cause it to be denied.
This is why it is important to be honest about your family situation before doing the test. If there is any chance the relationship may not be biological, it is better to talk about it with your attorney before moving forward. The goal is to help your family stay together, not create more stress or confusion.
Common Situations That Use DNA Testing
We have seen many different kinds of cases in New Jersey where DNA testing was helpful. Sometimes, a U.S. citizen is trying to bring over a child born overseas, but there is no birth certificate or the father was not listed. Other times, a grandparent raised a child, but immigration needs proof that the child is truly the biological grandchild. In sibling cases, especially when brothers or sisters were raised in different homes, the records may be hard to match. DNA testing helps solve these problems by giving proof that cannot be denied or doubted.
The Emotional Side of DNA Testing
Going through a DNA test can be an emotional time for many families. You might feel nervous about what the test will show, or how it might affect your case. Some people worry that the results will bring up family secrets or change the way they see their loved ones. These feelings are very real, and we understand how hard it can be. That is why it is important to have a legal team that not only knows the law but also understands what you are going through. You do not have to face this alone.
Steps to Take If You Are Asked for DNA Testing
If immigration tells you that you need DNA testing, do not panic. The first step is to talk to your lawyer. They can help you understand what kind of relationship you need to prove, and whether DNA testing is the right choice. If you decide to move forward, your lawyer can help you contact a government-approved lab, make sure all the steps are followed, and check that the results are sent correctly. Every part of this process needs to be done the right way, or your case could be delayed or denied.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Through This Process
A good immigration lawyer in New Jersey can guide you through the whole DNA testing process. They will explain what you need, help you fill out the right forms, and make sure your rights are protected. If the immigration officer made a mistake or asked for more than what is required, your lawyer can speak up for you. If the DNA test shows unexpected results, your lawyer can help you understand what your next steps are and whether there is another way to support your case. Having someone who knows how these cases work can make a big difference in how things turn out.
Building a Strong Case With All the Right Tools
DNA testing is just one part of a strong family-based immigration case. It is important to have all the right documents, tell the truth about your story, and follow every step carefully. A lawyer can help you collect the right evidence and stay on track with deadlines. Every case is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. That is why having the right help matters so much. With good planning and the right support, DNA testing can help bring your loved ones to the United States and keep your family together.
Why Timing Matters in Immigration Cases
Family immigration cases can take a long time, even when everything goes right. If there is a delay because of missing documents or a need for DNA testing, that can add weeks or even months to the process. That is why it is so important to act quickly and follow directions carefully. The sooner you take the right steps, the sooner your family can be together. If you are not sure what to do next, the best thing is to ask for help. A missed step now could cause big problems later.
Take the First Step Toward Keeping Your Family Together
If you are facing a family-based immigration case in New Jersey and have been asked for DNA testing, you are not alone. This can be a hard and confusing time, but the right support can make things easier. Every family deserves a fair chance to be together. The Scheer Immigration Law Group is here to help you understand your options, guide you through the process, and work toward the best result for your case. We have helped many families in New Jersey get through this, and we are ready to help you too. If you need help, contact us today and let us walk with you every step of the way.
