Immigration

HOW WE HELP

Our team includes immigration attorneys and Department of Justice accredited representatives dedicated to educating and advocating on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Together, we can help you with filing forms, applications, and petitions related to your legal and work status, as well as that of your family. We can also provide free and low-cost legal assistance to individuals and families in need of removal defense.

REMOVAL DEFENSE

Pro Bono Legal Services for Families and Minors in Removal Proceedings

• Legal consultations to analyze each client’s case and identify potential forms of immigration relief.
• Legal representation of immigrants before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) / Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, and before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call (858) 637-3365 or email [email protected].

Higher Education Legal Services

The Higher Education Legal Services program is a unique opportunity for students, staff, and faculty, at local colleges to access personalized Immigration Legal Services from highly qualified legal practitioners.  JFS immigration attorneys and Department of Justice Accredited Representatives are available at local schools to provide culturally-competent, trauma-informed, and reliable expertise to the campus community.

Follow the link for more information and to learn how to schedule your appointment!

Naturalization

What We Do

• Provide an in-depth screening to determine eligibility for naturalization
• Provide representation for naturalization services if you are eligible
• Assist you in preparing for the citizenship interview, English and civics tests with USCIS
• Upon eligibility determination and confirmation of legal representation, we will complete and file your application for naturalization or application for certificate of citizenship

Benefits of Obtaining Citizenship

• Protects you from losing your lawful status in the United States
• Protects you and your family from possible deportation
• Grants you the right to vote and be represented
• Allows you to bring immediate family members to the U.S. faster than as a green card holder
• Allows you to travel with a U.S. passport freely, to any country, for any desired length of time

Documents to Have Ready

After your appointment has been scheduled, you must send the JFS Immigration Specialist a photocopy or clear picture of the following items before the consultation:

• Green Card (front and back)
• Social Security Card (front)
• Drivers License or CA Identification Card (front)
• Most recent tax document filed

*You might qualify for an application fee waiver. A nominal fee for our services may apply.
**Additional documents may be requested.

Make An Appointment

Call our Immigration Services Program at (858) 637-3365, or email us at [email protected].

Please leave a message with your name and contact information. Our services are offered virtually/over the phone to provide for your protection from COVID-19.

Download Naturalization Informational Flyer >>

PREPARING IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION DOCUMENTS

Adjustment of Status

• Green (permanent resident) cards (family-based, refugees, asylees, replacement green cards)
• Family reunification (petitioning for a relative to come to the U.S. or to stay in the U.S.)
• Affidavit of support

Administrative Relief/DACA

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications and DACA renewals

For up-to-date information on DACA, click here.

The community advisory lays out what this means for DACA recipients, those with pending applications, those who need to renew, and others.

Other Immigration Services

• Travel document applications
• Work authorization applications
• Notary services
• Fee waivers for various USCIS applications

Naturalization

• N-400 applications (application for Citizenship)
• N-600 applications (application for Citizen Certification)

CITIZENSHIP CLASSES & TUTORING

New Online Citizenship Classes

Due to the current health crisis and library closures, Jewish Family Service is temporarily offering online citizenship classes. Classes are FREE and available for all English levels. The classes will occur in an online video conference twice a week starting October 12th. Registration will be open for the first two weeks of the course.

Course Goals:

• Learn about the Naturalization process
• Study the 100 Civics and U.S. History questions
• Prepare for your interview with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Receive Naturalization eligibility screening from a JFS Immigration Specialist
• Connect with other individuals and families working through the same process!

Please note that if you are interested in attending online classes, you will need the following:

• An active email account
• Comfortable using online video conferencing platforms

To register for the course, or if you would like more information regarding online classes, please contact Paulina Bermudez at (858) 637-3364 or [email protected].

Classes are funded through the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services grant, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Per grant requirements, Jewish Family Service is required to maintain a physical copy (picture or photocopy) of potential student’s Green Card. Jewish Family Service follows strict confidentiality guidelines and DOES NOT share personal information with third parties, only directly reporting to the Department of Homeland Security. Jewish Family Service maintains strict codes of conduct with staff and volunteers teaching citizenship classes.

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