Service Tree

The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.

Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Residence

Programs that assist in filing applications for aliens who wish to become lawful permanent residents. Certain aliens who have been inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States or who are refugees, asylees or persons holding nonimmigrant visas may have their status adjusted to that of lawful permanent residence if they are in lawful status, are eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and a visa is immediately available. Immigrant visas are immediately available for spouses, unmarried children younger than age 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. Some aliens not in lawful status may also be able to adjust their status under special rules set out in Immigration and Naturalization Act section 245(i).

Comprehensive Immigration/Naturalization Services

Programs that provide a wide variety of legal and supportive services (which may include information, counseling, application completion and filing assistance and/or legal representation, when required) for immigrants, nonimmigrant visa applicants, asylum seekers and lawful permanent residents who are seeking naturalization. Issues may include procedures for obtaining student, visitor and employment-based visas; family immigration; asylee status; lawful permanent residence status; and/or citizenship.

Immigrant Visa Application Filing Assistance

Programs that assist in filing petitions by aliens who are seeking admission to the United States with the intention of residing in the U.S. on a permanent basis. In most cases, a relative or prospective employer files the immigrant visa application on behalf of the individual. Certain applicants such as investors, workers with extraordinary ability and certain special immigrants may petition on their own behalf. Petitioners apply for a specific immigrant classification for the beneficiary, e.g., priority worker, spouse of a lawful permanent resident and, when the petition has been approved, wait until a visa number becomes available.

Naturalization Support/Legal Services

Programs that assist in filing applications by lawful permanent residents who have been in that status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), who meet other eligibility requirements and who wish to become naturalized U.S. citizens. Applicants must pass a citizenship examination to determine whether they can speak and read English and have a knowledge of the fundamentals of American government, history and the Constitution; and must take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

Relief from Removal/Other Immigration Relief

Programs that provide assistance in applying for lasting immigration relief for aliens filing petitions with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Also included are organizations that provide a defense for aliens who are involved in legal proceedings, held in Immigration Court, in which the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeks to show that the individual no longer has the right to remain in the United States because they have entered the country illegally, have overstayed their authorized admission, have violated immigration law, have committed a crime, have made a false claim of U.S. citizenship or meet other criteria which constitute grounds for removal. The defense generally involves a specific form of relief from removal, relief from exclusion or relief that applies, by statute, to special classes of aliens.

Rights Counseling for Undocumented People

Programs that provide information and guidance for people who have entered and remain in the U.S. illegally. Counseling usually focuses on their short-term needs; their rights regarding housing, employment and public benefits; and the agencies that will assist them despite their undocumented status.

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