How Can I Start to Prepare for A Legalization Program?

Printer-friendly

The Catholic Church in the United States recommends that people living here without documentation obtain valid proof of their identity.  Such documentation might include:

1. An expired or un-expired valid passport from the foreign national’s home country.

2. An original birth certificate or a certified copy from the foreign national’s home country.

3. Other valid photo identification issued by the home country, such as a matricula consular or other documents issued by any federal, state, or local government of the United States.  (NOTE:  Because an undocumented foreign national runs the risk of being placed in removal (i.e., “deportation”) proceedings if s/he comes to the attention of the U.S. government, the Catholic Church recommends that undocumented foreign nationals first seek advice from a licensed immigration attorney or a BIA-recognized agency before approaching a government agency to seek documentation of identification).

BEWARE of people or agencies that offer to get immigration “papers” or “identification” for foreign nationals.  They might be obtaining fake identification documents and if the foreign national uses those documents they might end up being deported!  Obtain photo identification only through lawful methods, such as through the foreign national’s home government.

BEWARE OF NOTARIOS AND IMMIGRATION CONSULTANTS who offer help filing applications with the government.  Many of these consultants have taken advantage of undocumented immigrants by filing applications on behalf of undocumented foreign nationals without verifying whether the individual is actually eligible for the immigration benefit.  Congress has not yet passed any law that authorizes the legalization of undocumented people!!   If a person offers to file an application for legalization on behalf of an undocumented foreign national, they may be putting that foreign national in danger of deportation!!

We strongly suggest foreign nationals seek legal assistance only from a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recognized non-profit organization such as Catholic Charities or from a licensed attorney.

August 3, 2005 

DISCLAIMER: This handout is not legal advice.  It is for educational and informational purposes only.  If you know of someone who needs legal advice, advise him or her to consult either a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited representative from a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recognized agency.  An undocumented foreign national should not seek legal advice from a notario or an “immigration consultant” who is not accredited by the BIA.