What are the visa & residency requirements in Alabama?

"Applying for a visa to work, study, or travel to Alabama involves submitting a visa petition to the United States embassy or consulate, paying application fees and then attending an interview with consulate officials. After the petition is approved, the individual will receive a visa, which permits entry into the United States. To apply for residency in Alabama, international non-citizens must first establish their eligibility to apply. This often involves filling in an application, paying the relevant fees, submitting evidence of relationship or employment documents and an affidavit of support from a person already legally present in Alabama. Non-citizens must also pass a security and background check as well as an interview with an officer from the Department of Homeland Security. Once these requirements are met, the person can be granted a green card, which confers legal permanent residence status in the United States," explained one expat living in Alabama.