Immigration 101

Paula Forero, Esq.November 9, 2016

Objectives for today

• Conduct a thorough consultation• Navigate the USCIS website

Immigration consultation

• What is the purpose?• What are we trying to get out of it?• What it isn’t?• Role of the BIA rep

Helpful tips

• Put client at ease• Introduce yourself• Confidential discussion• Conversational • Take notes• Never assume: ask questions• Explain why they qualify or don’t qualify for the

benefit• Use simple words

USCIS website

• Many useful tools and resources• Forms and instructions• Check case status, waiting times• Laws, policies, manuals• Special announcements, civil surgeons• Join the list serve

USCIS websiteForms and instructions

USCIS websiteForms and instructions

USCIS websiteCase status online

USCIS websiteLaws and policies

USCIS websiteNational and local engagements

Useful resources• www.uscis.gov• Immigrant Legal Resource Center: https://www.ilrc.org/ • CLINIC: https://cliniclegal.org/resources • Benders Immigration Bulletin:

https://www.lexisnexis.com/legalnewsroom/immigration/default.aspx

• Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate.html

• Immigration Advocates Network (IAN): https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/

Thank you