The Family Unification Program provides assistance to U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents by helping them to file petitions to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for visas to reunite with family members and/or petition for U.S. citizenship. Additionally, we assist refugees to adjust their status from refugee to immigration status, which is required after they have resided in the U.S. for a year and a day and is critical to maintaining their legal status.
Catholic Charities is accredited by the Bureau of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to provide immigration assistance. Our accredited representatives are licensed by the BIA to perform immigration work independently but under the supervision of an attorney. A fully accredited representative is able to make court appearances before BIA judges on behalf of clients. Fees are based on client income. Services include:
- Photographs
- Fingerprinting for background checks
- Change of address
- Adjustment of status
- Affidavits of support
- Employment authorization documents and renewals
- Waivers, as needed
- Assistance in the removal of conditional residency
- Applications for travel documentation
- Translation of documents (Birth and Marriage only)
- Complete support for submission of applications for naturalization
- Citizenship preparation in English and Spanish
- Family Based Reunification Petitions
Through a statewide education program, we provide services to combat employment discrimination through seminars for employers and employees, instructing them on job advertisement requirements, allowable interview questions and how to comply with I-9 employment forms.
