General Immigration Services
Family Reunification
Refugees and Asylees who have been in the U.S. less than 2 years can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old to join them. Lawful Permanent Residents can also file petitions for their spouse and unmarried children to immigrate to the United States. U.S. citizens may petition for a spouse, married or unmarried child, parent or sibling to immigrate to the U.S.
IRC Family Reunification Services
Eligibility consultation
Assistance with Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions (Form I-730)
Assistance with Alien Relative Petitions (Form I-130)
Consular Processing overseas beneficiaries (Form DS-230)
Assistance with Tourist Visa Invitations (if available)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864 and Form I-134)
Travel Documents
It’s important to know that refugees and asylees without lawful permanent resident status (“Green Cards”) must apply for a travel document with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before traveling outside the U.S. Those who have a Green Card have the option of obtaining a re-entry permit from USCIS. To obtain a travel document, refugees and asylees must file applications with USCIS and provide supporting documentation, photos, and applicable fees. Please consult with an IRC immigration specialist. The IRC can assist with the Application for Travel Document (Form I-131).
Applying for Lawful Permanent Resident Status (“Green Card”)
Refugees are required by U.S. law to apply for a Green Card one year after arriving in the United States. Asylees may apply for their Green Card one year after being granted asylum. Other non-immigrants who were legally admitted to the United States may qualify for lawful permanent residence on the basis of relationship to a U.S. lawful permanent resident or citizen family member, or through the annual Diversity Visa Lottery.
IRC Green Card Services
Eligibility consultation
Change of address (AR-11)
Application for permanent resident status (adjustment of status) (Form I-485)
Application to renew or replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90)
Application to renew or replace lost I-94 arrival/departure record (Form I-102)
Application for travel documents (Form I-131)
Application for work authorization (Form I-765)
Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Representation at appointments with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (if available)
Assistance with USCIS fee waiver applications (Form I-912) and immigration loans (if available)
Assistance with language translation and interpretation (if available)
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Children under 18 years old who have Green Cards automatically become U.S. citizens when one or both parents become citizens. They do, however, need to apply for certificates of citizenship or obtain a valid U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship.
U.S. Citizens can file petitions on behalf of certain family members to join them in the United States.
U.S. Citizens have access to public benefits (TANF, SSI, public housing, etc.)
U.S. Citizens can travel with a U.S. passport and reside outside the U.S. without time limitations.
U.S. Citizens are able to vote in local, state, and national elections.
U.S. Citizens enjoy the full range of rights and protections afforded by the Constitution and the U.S. legal system.
U.S. Citizens access employment opportunities, including state and federal government job openings.
Applying for Citizenship
Individuals can apply for citizenship if:
They are at least 18 years old;
They possess a valid Green Card;
They have lived four years and nine months as a lawful permanent resident in the United States; and
They have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months in the preceding five years.
Foreign nationals married to a U.S. citizen can apply after:
They have been married for three years;
They have been lawful permanent residents for three years;
They have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months in the preceding three years.
Applicants must be a resident of the USCIS district with jurisdiction over their place of residence for at least three months prior to filing the application.
To obtain citizenship, applicants must know about U.S. history and government and have basic English language skills. The IRC can refer applicants to appropriate classes to help them prepare for both the written citizenship test and oral interview. Applicants with certain medical disabilities or who meet certain age and residence conditions may be exempt from the English and/or U.S. history and government tests, or may be able to take the test in their native language.
Applicants must be people of good moral character.
IRC Citizenship Services
Eligibility consultation
Completion of naturalization application (Form N-400)
Completion of citizenship application for children (Form N-600)
Completion of USCIS Fee Waiver Application (Form I-912)
All follow-up correspondence with USCIS
Referral to Citizen Preparation Classes
Preparation for the citizenship interview
Retain copies of all immigration paperwork and notices form USCIS
Other low-cost immigration legal services