In a family-based immigration petition, who is the petitioner?

• A. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident who files the petition
• B. The relative seeking immigration
• C. An employer
• D. The government

Answer: (A)

In family-based immigration petitions, the person who files the petition is the sponsor—the U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is seeking to bring a relative to live in the United States. This sponsor is the petitioner, and they submit Form I-130 to establish the qualifying family relationship and offer support. The relative who wants to immigrate is the beneficiary, who later applies for a visa or adjustment of status. An employer would sponsor a worker in employment-based cases, not in family-based ones, and the government doesn’t act as the petitioner in this context.