Immigration and Housing
Home Ownership for Non-U.S. Citizens
Housing is one of the most crucial issues facing individuals and families who immigrate to the United States. In addition to being a basic necessity for living, owning a house is a symbolic part of achieving the American dream, and one of the main reasons that many immigrants have traveled to the United States throughout its history, and continue to do so in large numbers.
The good news is that home ownership through mortgage loans is available not only to U.S. citizens, but also permanent residents as well as non-permanent residents. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers guidelines for citizenship and immigration status and obtaining a mortgage loan. According to HUD regulations, a permanent resident must simply demonstrate permanent residency by presentation of "green card" for an FHA-insured mortgage.
A non-permanent resident faces tougher criteria, though securing an FHA-insured mortgage loan is still a real possibility. In order to qualify for the FHA-insured mortgage, the borrower must prove that the house associated with the mortgage is the borrower's principal residence, that the borrower has a social security number, and that the borrower is eligible to work in the U.S. Additionally, if a non-permanent resident has no history of temporary residence or visa renewal, he must prove that he will likely receive future renewal upon application (those who have had renewals need only present a record of this history).
For any citizenship or immigration status question, including explanations of qualifications for home ownership and proof of temporary residence status renewal, contact an immigration lawyer.
Rental Property and Immigration
The current housing crisis has made the stability of home ownership more and more uncertain, as housing prices drop and many mortgage lenders work to protect their own profits. As a result, many individuals, including immigrants, are choosing to rent property instead.
However, property rental - whether apartment or house - comes with its own set of concerns. If you are avoiding home ownership because of a shaky credit history or no credit history (as is the case with many immigrants to the U.S.), you should know that many landlords will also require a credit check to assess your risk to the lender. If you are new to the United States, you may be required to place a larger security deposit on your rental, or find a co-signer for your rental lease who can back you with their own credit history.
The Truth about Housing Discrimination
Though federal civil rights laws have made discrimination in housing illegal, discrimination is still a real challenge in many areas, including areas in which poverty is widespread. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous landlords, real estate agents or housing associations might still attempt to push out foreign-born residents from their apartment buildings, neighborhoods and suburbs, for one reason or another. Further, many news sources have reported the difficulties of immigrants with no visas or expired visas in finding decent and safe housing, because they are unable to report violations to local or state authorities for fear of deportation.
An immigration lawyer will be able to explain your rights under U.S. law for recourse if you believe you have been victimized by unfair practices or discrimination in housing because of your legal status in the United States. You have rights as a resident of the United States-learn more about them today!
Resources on Immigration and Housing
Government housing resources:
Immigration and housing studies and reports:
Consult an Immigration Lawyer for Legal Help with Housing
If you are trying to secure a mortgage as a permanent or non-permanent U.S. resident, document your immigration status history to qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage or obtain temporary residence status renewal or permanent residence status, you should speak with an immigration lawyer.
Just fill out our easy online immigration legal case evaluation form or call 1 (877) 444-1074 to have us connect you directly to an immigration lawyer in your area. Your path to safe and affordable housing is clear. Begin by speaking to a Total Immigration sponsoring lawyer today!