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Immigration
Services
Director: Alma Garza-Cruz
2780 Eastex Freeway
Beaumont,
Texas 77703
(409) 924-4400
Fax: (409)
832-0145
Catholic Charities of Southeast
Texas is the only non-profit in Southeast
Texas recognized by the Board of Immigration
Appeals (BIA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to
provide legal immigration services to clients. The Immigration
Services Director is accredited to represent
clients in immigration matters before the USCIS. Thanks to grants and
other sources of funding, these legal services can be
provided to low-to-moderate income families at little or no cost.
Well Trained Staff
Training is an essential part of our
program and is required to obtain and maintain BIA Accreditation.
Each year, staff attends national trainings on Immigration Law given by
immigration law experts. In addition to attending trainings, staff
is involved in attending meetings with USCIS and other community-based
organizations, allowing us to keep abreast of current immigration law and
changes in the law. Immigration Services staff speak both English and
Spanish.
Services Provided:
- Immigration Consultations
- Family Visa Petitions
- Adjustment of Status
- Consular Visa Processing
- Citizenship
- Derivative and Acquired Citizenship
- Waivers for Unlawful Presence
- Affidavits of Support
- Renewal of Expiring Resident Alien Cards
- VAWA Self-Petitions
- “V” Visa and “V”
Classification
- Registry
Family Visa Petitions
A Lawful Permanent Resident of the United
States
may petition for his/her spouse and unmarried sons and daughters. A
United States Citizen may petition for his/her spouse, children, parents,
married sons and daughters and siblings. Waiting
times differ, depending on what family relationship the petition is based
on.
Adjustment of Status
If a person wishing to immigrate to
the United States
has an approved family-based petition for which the priority date is
current, he/she may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status with
the local USCIS. Complete consultations are necessary in order to assess
an individual’s eligibility for adjustment of status.
Consular Visa Processing
Persons outside of the United States
and certain persons inside of the United States
conclude the processing of their visas at the American Consulates abroad.
The Immigration Services program is able to assist these persons with the
preparation of final documentation necessary for consular visa
appointments.
Renewal
or Replacement of Green Cards
On Fridays, walk-in service is provided to those in need of renewal or replacement
of Lawful Permanent Resident Cards, more commonly referred to as “Green
Cards”. Same day processing permits convenient and affordable service.
Click here
to view English or Spanish flyers with more detailed information about
this walk-in service.
Naturalization
Catholic Charities accredited staff
is available to help persons determine their eligibility for United
States
citizenship. Basic requirements for U.S.
citizenship include:
- Lawful permanent residence in the U.S.
for at least 5 years (3 if married to a U.S.
citizen)
- Residence in the U.S.
for at least one-half of the 5 years.
- Good moral character
- Basic knowledge of U.S.
history and civics
- Ability to speak, read and write English
Registry
Anyone who has entered the United
States
before Jan. 1, 1972
can adjust his or her status through Registry. You must show substantial
proof of continuous residence in the U.S.
since that time.
Confidentiality
Our staff upholds the
confidentiality of all information
disclosed by clients. Information is NEVER released
to outside parties unless the client has expressly granted his/her
written permission.
Client Fees
Client fees are vital to ensuring
financial viability for our program. Private and public funding for
immigration counseling programs is scarce. Fees for services are discussed with the client at the onset of a
case. Our fee schedule is nominal and all clients are screened for financial eligibility to determine if
circumstances warrant reduced or waived fees.
Click here to view, email or print a copy of the Immigration Services program brouchure.
Texas Law Help - Another Resource for Legal Aid
Texas Law Help provides online
resources that can help with a variety of legal matters for those who
cannot afford legal help. These free and low-cost resources can be used to learn about legal rights and available
self-help resources or legal aid.
Click here to access the
Texas Law Help website.
Member of Catholic Legal
Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC).
This Program is supported by grants and contributions. Many thanks to the Texas Bar Foundation, the Bishop’s Faith Appeal and the people of Southeast Texas
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