TPS or Asylum? (Eng/Spa)

Two immigration statuses that may overlap are Asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because they both help people who are afraid of returning to their home country. While these two are different in a few ways, it is useful to know what each option offers and that applying for both is allowed, so long as an applicant is eligible. This brief guide delves into the ways these two options might intersect and what to keep in mind as individuals consider each type of status.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

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 REAL ID is Coming Soon: What You Need to Know

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.

Central American Minors (CAM) Program (Eng/Spa)

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.

Analysis of the DACA Texas Ruling 2021

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.

TPS Update After the SCOTUS Decision

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is an important form of protection that has been the subject of many changes and updates over the last few years. A recent Supreme Court decision limiting where and how certain TPS holders can apply for permanent residence through a family member has created confusion in the community. This resource provides a quick overview of the rights and options of TPS recipients and outlines the paths to permanent residence that remain available to many TPS holders.

Traveling on Advance Parole for DACA Recipients

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.

Criminal Records for DACA

Persons are barred from receiving or renewing DACA if they have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. DACA applicants who have been arrested or convicted of a crime may still be eligible, but they should first obtain their criminal records and take them to an expert immigration practitioner to obtain legal advice about their eligibility and potential risks of applying. This resource provides persons applying for DACA with instructions about what criminal records they need for their application and how they can find them.

Prepárese Para Su Caso de Inmigración (SPA)

The recent legislative debates in Congress around legalization have left many community members with questions, and although none of these bills have become law, many are asking how they can prepare for an immigration case in the future. This resource provides three steps community members can take now to understand their legal options and what they can expect when seeking legal support.

Get the facts about public charge & immigration

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.

What every noncitizen should know about Cannabis and Immigration

Despite new state laws legalizing cannabis for recreational use, archaic U.S. drug laws still classify marijuana as federally illegal. Because immigration is governed by federal law, this means that noncitizens may face serious problems down the line if they are not aware of how their experiences with cannabis could impact their immigration journey. This video and accompanying infographic detail the specific risks associated with the use or possession of cannabis and/or industry employment.