Webinar

In deciding whether to grant some applicants a green card or a visa, an immigration officer must decide whether that person is likely to become dependent on certain government benefits in the future, which would make them a “public charge.” It is not a test that applies to everyone, not even to all those applying for green cards. In September, the Biden administration announced a new public charge rule that is set to go into effect at the end of this year. This webinar explored the current state of public charge policy and the main takeaways about how these policies may or may not impact you and your family.

On August 30, 2022, the Biden Administration issued a new rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that will incorporate DACA into the Federal Regulations. Since its announcement, several questions have been raised around who can access DACA now and what it means for all those first-time applicants who are waiting to obtain DACA. This proposed rule for DACA will go into effect on October 31, 2022. This webinar explored the new rule and what happens next. 

There are many advantages to becoming a U.S. citizen—including helping family members immigrate to the United States, traveling with a U.S. passport, and voting in U.S. elections. Millions of lawful permanent residents are eligible to naturalize but need support to take the important step of becoming a U.S. citizen. Experts from the ILRC will provide an overview of the process to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, who is eligible, how to apply, and where to go for help.

Immigration attorneys from the ILRC provided an overview of the U visa, who is eligible, its benefits, how to apply, and where to go for help.

Many immigrant youth in the United States may be eligible to apply for lawful immigration status. One of the most common immigration options for immigrant youth is special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), which is a pathway to a green card for young people under age 21 who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both of their parents. This webinar will provide an overview of what special immigrant juvenile status is, who is eligible, the benefits it provides, how to apply, and where to go for help.

The federal Real ID Act, which goes into effect in March 2022, places new rules on which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States (U.S.) and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other federal facilities. Experts from the ILRC will share an overview of California drivers’ licenses, identification cards, AB 60 drivers’ licenses, and Real ID cards, including which immigrants qualify for them, what you need to apply, when you need to use them, and what benefits come with them.

This webinar included a legal analysis of the Texas decision; what it means for the future of DACA; the practical impacts of the decision on current DACA recipients, DACA-eligible students, and campuses; its implications for the ongoing negotiations in Congress regarding a roadmap to citizenship for Dreamers and other undocumented populations; the response of and next steps for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); and the opportunities and urgency for advocacy by higher education leaders and communities.

Advance parole allows approved DACA recipients to travel outside the United States with advance permission to re-enter the United States (or be “paroled” into the country upon their return). A DACA recipient must request and receive advance parole approval before traveling outside of the United States. They should not travel outside the United States without advance parole, or their deferred action will automatically be terminated. Join experts from the ILRC and ILD to learn more about the requirements for DACA advance parole as well as the process for applying for and possible immigration benefits of traveling with advance parole.

Rules about public benefit programs and immigrants are confusing. But benefits can help your family stay healthy and thrive. Everyone in the community must have access to health care and important support services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, many immigrants do not seek the services available to them for fear it will impact their immigration case. This webinar provided an overview of what public charge is, who it applies to, and the latest information on how the public charge test works. It will also give updates on which public benefits, tax credits, COVID-19 relief, and emergency response programs are available and won’t affect a green card or visa eligibility.

The webinar provided an analysis of the impact of the current DACA decision (more information down below), immigration policy changes we might expect in the Biden administration, and how students faculty and staff can access free legal services.

Experts from the ILRC and ILD shared more the about the Supreme Court decision, its impact on DACA recipients, next steps recipients can take in light of the decision, and resources available for DACA recipients including students, faculty and staff at higher education institutions and their families.

Presented by the UFW Foundation, this webinar will cover what your rights are when interacting with immigration officials and law enforcement generally. We will also discuss how enforcement has changed under the Trump administration. Additionally, we will review your rights to public benefits and demystify recent changes to “public charge” regulations. We will review this vital information as well as your opportunity to consult with an attorney or accredited representative for free.