How can I get my husband's mother to the US? 10 Answers as of October 26, 2011

Your mother in law can apply for a tourist visa. She will have to present evidence of ties to her home country and the ability to pay for the trip. The Consulate will determine whether they believe she will go home.

You can look into the option of getting a tourist visa.

It depends upon if it is a temporary visit or you are looking to bring her here permanently. Assuming you mean for a visit, you can send a visa invitation letter to her. This is a request that she come visit. She will apply for a visitor visa at the local U.S. Consulate. The issue may be demonstrating she will return to Mexico. A person must show they have the financial means to support themselves while here (this can be through you providing room and board). They also must show they do not intend to stay longer than authorized. She will likely be required to show ties to Mexico.

If your husband is a US citizen, he can petition for her to come as a permanent resident. Otherwise, she should apply on her own for a tourist visa and show that she has enough ties to her country.

You can help her apply for a visitor's visa.

You can apply for a B-2 tourist visa on behalf of your mother in law. The tourist visa is for individuals who seek to enter the U.S. on a temporary basis for tourist intentions. In order to obtain the tourist visa, you must demonstrate that your mother in law has nonimmigrant intent and that she will return to her come country at the expiration of her stay in the U.S. (up to six months). She can demonstrate nonimmigrant intent by showing her connections to the home country: ownership of property, significant family ties that will remain behind, a job awaiting her on her return, car registrations, bank accounts, stock ownership, retirement plans and social security, etc. She must also demonstrate that she has the financial capability of funding her trip to the U.S. This can be done by demonstrating her financial worth or by a letter from a "sponsor" with whom she will stay in the U.S. and who will provide her with room and board during her trip. Tourist visas are very difficult to obtain but with proper documentation, can be approved.

Contact me or another immigration attorney to discuss the ways she might come. A B-2 visitors' visa is a possibility if the trip is for a short stay.

Invite her to the US with an invitation letter and I-134+ documentation of your finances. She will have to do the leg work with the consulate in Mexico.

Assuming your husband is over 21 and a US citizen he can file for her green card.

You may have several options. The mother can apply for a visitor visa for a temporary visit. This would be appropriate if she does not intend to stay in the US. If you think she wants to come to the US o live long term, your husband can sponsor his mother after he becomes a US Citizen. First you would sponsor him for a greencard and then (assuming you are a US Citizen) , he would apply for naturalization 3 years after he receives his greencard. Unfortunately, you are not eligible to sponsor her for a green card directly. Speak with a qualified immigration attorney about the eligibility and details for each options.