Asylum/Lawful pathways for immigrant youth

On May 11, 2023, the Biden administration issued a new regulation creating a bar to asylum for people arriving at the southern U.S. border with certain narrow exceptions. Although there is an ongoing court challenge, the bar, known as the “lawful pathways” rule, remains in effect. This Community Alert explores the exceptions to the bar with a focus on some of the exceptions that apply to children and youth traveling with their families.

U visa 101 (Video) ENG

U nonimmigrant status, commonly referred to as a “U visa”, is a form of immigration relief available to people who are survivors of certain crimes that happened in the United States. This video set and downloadable guide serve as a walkthrough of the different benefits granted when approved for a U visa – and those that are granted while an application is pending.

FAQ: DACA (Sept 2023)

On September 13, 2023, a Federal District Court in Texas issued a ruling in Texas v. United States declaring that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) rule is unlawful. It is important to note that while this judge once again found DACA to be unlawful, the decision does not change the current status of who is eligible to apply. This Community Alert walks through the details, as of September 18, 2023.

Obtaining an ITIN (ENG)

This Community Explainer is designed to explain what an ITIN is, why it may be particularly important for immigrants without a Social Security Number, and how one can be obtained.

Recent CA “Clean Slate” Initiatives & Immigrants

There is a new law in California that went into effect in 2023 called the California Clean Slate Act (SB 731). Under the Clean Slate Act, authorities will automatically expunge – or dismiss – certain arrests and criminal convictions. While expungement provides relief in the California state criminal legal system, it does not provide the same relief in the immigration context. This explainer walks through some key points about this new law and its implication for immigrants with prior contact with law enforcement.

Selective Service Checkup

This quick guide shares how to check your Selective Service registration status. For various applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing proof of registration with the Selective Service System is a vital part of qualifying for immigration relief. Learn more with this step-by-step guide.

Central American Minors program update

The Central American Minors program allows qualifying children in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to enter the United States and live here lawfully if they have a parent or legal guardian in the United States with certain kinds of immigration status. This fact sheet provides information on basic eligibility and where to go for help.

Key Benefits of a U visa

U nonimmigrant status, commonly referred to as a “U visa”, is a form of immigration relief available to people who are survivors of certain crimes that happened in the United States. This video set and downloadable guide serve as a walkthrough of the different benefits granted when approved for a U visa – and those that are granted while an application is pending.

How to petition parents as a USC son/daughter

Undocumented individuals who have U.S. citizen children often ask when and if their child can help them obtain their Lawful Permanent Resident status. A citizen child who is over 21 years old can begin the process for a parent to get their Permanent Residence card, often referred to as a green card. However, the process can be complicated and any parent seeking a green card through their child needs to carefully consider certain things before they move forward. This guide provides a brief explanation of this process, what is needed for a son or daughter to help their parent(s) obtain status, and some considerations to keep in mind as you explore this process. 

CalEITC FAQ (Eng)

California immigrants who file taxes may now receive cash from the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). As the negative effects of COVID-19 continue impacting immigrant families, many are in need of support. Filing taxes may mean cash benefits for qualifying families. This guide provides a brief summary of what CalEITC is and who can benefit from it. 

Advance Parole: What you can expect when traveling

This resource provides an overview of the process of traveling on advance parole and returning to the United States through a port of entry. For those granted permission to travel on advance parole, the return process can be intimidating and confusing. We’ve outlined ways to prepare for travel under Advance Parole and tips to make the process as smooth as possible.