While many people may believe that determining immigration status is straightforward, it can actually be complex. Immigration status depends on federal law, which may change over time, requiring individuals to check with the laws in place at certain times.
However, while determining immigration status in Lombard can be complicated, there are steps you can take to confirm where you stand. A dedicated immigration attorney could help you identify and adjust your status to ensure you legally reside in the United States.
People can fall under a broad category of immigrant statutes, including the following:
It is crucial for individuals who reside in Lombard to determine their immigration status if they are currently unsure.
To be a U.S. citizen, someone must have been born in the United States, born to a U.S. citizen and recognized as a citizen, or naturalized to become a U.S. citizen. If a person has a U.S. birth certificate, they are born citizens. People born to one or more U.S. citizens who have been residents of the country or one of its territories can get a Consular Report of Birth Abroad to prove their citizenship. However, naturalized citizens will have a Naturalization Certificate.
Residents are foreign nationals who live in the United States and are lawful permanent residents. They are also known as green card holders. Green cards permit people to live or work permanently in the country, provided they comply with certain conditions. Residents will have a Permanent Resident Card, a photo ID stating their status.
Temporary non-immigrants are individuals in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas. People may enter the country through these means to vacation, work, or study, among other things. The particular type of visa will determine the conditions of the immigration status and the duration. Many people overstay their visas, which can change their immigration status.
Undocumented immigrants include everyone who is in the country without legal authorization. Some of these individuals may be eligible for a change in status, while others may be subject to deportation if authorities discover their undocumented status. People who suspect that they may be undocumented immigrants may need the help of a lawyer to avoid deportation and get a status change.
While many believe that asylees and refugees are undocumented immigrants, international and U.S. law provides exceptions for people seeking asylum or refugee status. Those seeking asylum can state their desire to do so at an entry point, getting a temporary asylee status until the government can determine that status. Refugees apply for protection before entering the country.
Individuals in the country under TPS status are similar to asylees and refugees. However, instead of having to prove individual conditions that make their home country hostile to them, people from countries with TPS status are assumed to be unable to return home safely. The current TPS list includes El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan.
Finally, some people are in the country in a quasi-legal capacity. Deferred action recipients are not considered illegal but do not accrue time as lawful residents. Instead, they stay in the country without taking any further immigration actions for a set time.
For those who recently entered the United States, immigration status is typically on the last entry on Form I-94, the non-immigrant visa. Any changes to immigrant status should be confirmed on Form I-797A, the Notice of Action.
For people unable to locate this material, a lawyer could help determine their immigration status in Lombard. They could also advise their clients on how to change their status, navigate deportation proceedings, and handle other immigration-related processes.
At Godoy Law Office, we sympathize with our clients who face the stress and challenges that can come with being an immigrant in the United States. Our determined legal professionals are here to help you with determining immigration status in Lombard and any other complex legal matters.
Schedule an initial consultation with our legal team today to learn more about how we could support you or to discuss your case.
