Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth, Inc.

Our Mission: To provide service to those in need, To advocate for compassion and justice in the structures of society, To call all people of good will to do the same

Immigration Consultation Services BIA recognized since December 1983

A Quick Overview of Immigration Issues

What part of government handles immigration? Department of Homeland Security –U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) –U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) –U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

What part of government handles immigration?, part II Department of State Department of Justice –Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) Immigration Courts Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) –Federal Circuit Courts

Who Is Who in the US? Two kinds of people –U. S. Citizens –Aliens

U. S. Citizens by birth in the U.S. by naturalization by acquisition: someone born abroad to a U.S. citizen by derivation: happens by law; an LPR under 18 living with a parent that naturalizes

Aliens Again, two categories: –Non immigrants –Immigrants

Aliens (cont.) Non-Immigrants: A whole alphabet of visas: A: Foreign government officials B: Visitors F: Students H: Temporary workers K: Spouses and fiancés of US Citizens P: Athletes and entertainers R: Religious workers T: Victims of human trafficking U: Victims of certain violent crimes

Aliens (cont.) Immigrants: One and only one category: Lawful Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holders)

Who is an Immigrant? Normally we call an immigrant, someone who, whether a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or undocumented, intends to reside permanently in the U.S. More technically an immigrant is an LPR; someone who: –Has intent to reside permanently in U.S. –Is authorized to work –Is authorized to travel abroad and return –Can naturalize

Ways to Immigrate to U.S. Family-based Immigration Employment-based Immigration Diversity Visa Lottery Special Categories Refugees Relief from Removal (i.e., deportation)

Who Is an Undocumented Immigrant? An undocumented immigrant is a person who is present in the United States without the permission of the U.S. government. Undocumented immigrants enter the U.S. either illegally, without being inspected by an immigration officer, or by using false documents, or legally, with a temporary visa, and then remain in the U.S. beyond the expiration date of the visa.

Family Based Immigration Most of the people that you serve are affected by the laws and regulations that control Family Based Immigration

Family Based Immigration (cont.) Categories Immediate Relatives: Parents, Spouses & Unmarried Children Under 21 of US Citizens do not have Priority Dates. Visas are immediately available for this category. 1st: Unmarried Children Over 21 of US Citizens 2A: Spouses & Unmarried Children Under 21 of Residents 2B: Unmarried Children Over 21 of Residents 3rd: Married Children of US Citizens 4th: Brothers & Sisters of US Citizens

Visa bulletin, October 2010 FAMILYFAMILY Other China Mainland Born India Mexico Philippines 1st 15FEB06 15DEC92 01MAR97 2A 01APR10 01JAN10 01APR10 2B 01APR05 22JUN92 01SEP02 3rd 01MAY02 22OCT92 01MAR95 4th 01DEC01 08DEC95 01APR91

Contact Information Xergio Ly Chacin, BIA Accredited Representative Program Manager Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fort Worth, Inc. Immigration Consultation Services 249 W Thornhill Drive, Fort Worth, Texas (817) Fax (817)