Affirmative Filings (Adjustment of Status)

Immigration statuses vary and provide for certain legal benefits and rights.

• 1. Citizens who were either born in the U.S., obtained status through one or more of their parents, or have naturalized are the most protected class. U.S. citizens cannot be deported to a country of origin after they have naturalized.

1. Legal Permanent Residents, or "green card holders," are non-citizens who have been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. (*Include picture of a Green Card*). There are a number of ways a foreign national can obtain a green card, including through family ties, a job, refugee or asylee status, and more. Green card holders can still be deemed removable if a number of conditions apply, including: conviction of crimes (*link to Removal Defense*) and certain travel outside of the US. If a green card holder travels outside of the US for longer than a year without a re-entry permit, he or she may lose permanent resident status.

   1. Note: Green cards cards must be renewed every 10 years, which can be done by filing an I-90 through U.S. Citizinship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. DACA and Visas.

Participants may access free, safe, legal immigration help in New York City. To see if participants qualify for an immigration benefit, they should schedule an appointment with AccessNYC. To make an appointment, call 1-800-354-0365 between 9AM-6PM, Monday - Friday or call 311 and say "ActionNYC."