One of the most common ways for people to get a green card is through a family member. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can help certain family members immigrate to the United States. This is a two-step process. First, the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files a family visa petition. Second, the foreign national relative files an application to become a permanent resident. Each step involves different legal and factual issues.
As a national expert on these issues, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides ongoing trainings on the family-based immigration process, answers case-specific questions from practitioners, authors a comprehensive manual, Families & Immigration: A Practical Guide, and advocates locally and federally in support of immigrant families.
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Federal Rulemaking is one of the most direct ways that the public can participate and shape policies and practices of executive agencies.
On October 19, 2022, USCIS published major revisions to their Policy Manual on the English and/or Civics disability waiver for naturalization applicants. Overall, these changes were a welcome improvement in access to the disability waiver.
This Alert describes recent changes to the naturalization disability waiver. On October 19, 2022, USCIS announced major revisions to the Form N-648, which is used by naturalization applicants who seek a waiver of the English and/or civics requirement based on a disability or impairmen
ILRC wrote a letter to USCIS to commend the agency on the October 19, 2022 USCIS announcement of major revisions to the Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
Consular processing is one of ways an individual can obtain lawful permanent residence. This process is often confusing and daunting to individuals who do not regularly work on these types of cases since the process is completed with a U.S.
EOIR recently published proposed changes to the forms used to apply for DOJ recognition and accreditation. ILRC submitted comments objecting to the changes, which add new and burdensome requirements for applicants.
ILRC commended USCIS on its recent extension of COVID flexibility policies through October 23, 2022.
ILRC commends USCIS on the recent USCIS Policy Manual additions clarifying guidance on the unlawful presence bars.
This advisory describes the various ways that persons with disabilities can navigate the naturalization process, including requesting accommodations, seeking an N-648 disability waiver of the English/civics requirement, and applying for an oath waiver.
The ILRC wrote to USCIS advocating for changes in the USCIS Policy Manual on requirements for naturalization oath waivers and accommodations. USCIS’s Policy Manual guidance unnecessarily restricts oath waivers to person who have certain U.S.
This advisory provides practitioners with current information about the public charge ground of inadmissibility, including addressing what is public charge, who does it apply to, how is public charge evaluated, and could being a public charge make someone deportable.