Announcement About Seeking Asylum or Refugee Status
Please Note:
These Know Your Rights materials provide general information. Getting asylum is difficult. You will need specific legal advice and representation from an immigration attorney. To find an attorney, click on the Find A Lawyer tab above.
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Spanish / Español
Seeking Asylum
(Separate Website)
Questions and answers about applying for asylum based on being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or HIV-positive.
By: Immigration Equality
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Asylum?
(Separate Website)
Learn about what conditions make you eligible to apply for asylum.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Asylum Eligibility and Applications
(Separate Website)
Learn about the eligibility requirements for applying for asylum. Please find a legal aid attorney to help you fill out any asylum applications.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Asylum Background and Security Checks
(Separate Website)
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web site provides information on when you will need to be fingerprinted or undergo a background check when applying for asylum.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Asylum Interviews
(Separate Website)
Read about what to expect during your asylum interview.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
A Quick Guide to Public Charge and Receipt to Public Benefits
(Separate Website)
This guide provides a summary of how receiving public benefits in the United States may affect the "public charge" provisions of the immigration laws.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Spanish / Español
Asylee Eligibility For Resettlement Assistance
(Separate Website)
This resource is a short guide to frequently asked questions regarding asylum and resettlement assistance. In addition, learn about the services and benefits available for asylees.
By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc
Refugee Questions and Answers
(Separate Website)
Read this before you consider applying for refugee status.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Spanish / Español
Application Procedures: Settling a Child as a Derivative Refugee in the United States
(Separate Website)
You must consult with an attorney before completing this application. This resources gives you information on the application procedure.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Spanish / Español
Application Procedures: Settling a Spouse as a Derivative Refugee in the United States
(Separate Website)
Always consult with an attorney before completing this application. This resource goes over the application procedures.
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Spanish / Español
Humanitarian Benefits
(Separate Website)
Learn more about the benefits and services available for qualified individuals in need of assistance.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
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Spanish / Español
Your Immigration Rights
(Separate Website)
Provides information for transgendered immigrants in New York, including:
- Name Changes for Immigrants (immigrants with legal immigration status and immigrants without legal immigration status) - Name and Gender Change on Immigration Documents - Trans Marriage Recognition - The Real ID Act - Asylum for Trans People
By: Sylvia Rivera Law Project
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Spanish / Español
Foster Care for Unaccompanied Refugee & Immigrant Children-Frequently Asked Questions
(Separate Website)
Find out what the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) foster care program is, who is eligible, and how to get services.
By: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Immigration Rights and Services Manual
(Separate Website)
This manual provides important information on the rights and services available to immigrants in New York City.
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
Know Your Rights: LGBT Immigrants
(Separate Website)
Information on Seeking Asylum in the United States for Detained Immigrants who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or HIV-Positive.
By: National Immigrant Justice Center
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Arabic / العربية
,
French / Français
,
Spanish / Español
,
Urdu / اردو
USCIS Information to Avoid Immigration Scams
(Separate Website)
This section of the USCIS website provides information on how to avoid scams, common scams, form filing tips, how to report immigration scams, and much more.
If you have a case in immigration court; Read this before you take legal advice
(Separate Website)
Read these tips to prevent you from being a victim of immigration fraud.
By: Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
Is Your Lawyer Licensed to Practice? You should check to make sure your lawyer is licensed to practice before you hire them to represent you. Find out what you can do!
By: Lawhelp NY
Economic Empowerment Resource Guide
(Separate Website)
While this guide is specifically intended to provide helpful information for immigrant victims of violent crimes, it may benefit many New Yorkers who are entering the job market for the first time, researching college or other educational programs, or looking to change careers. It provides information about:
- high-school equivalency (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- welfare/job centers that service immigrants throughout New York City and accept applications for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid
- job training and job placement programs
- employment agencies
- personal financial literacy classes to teach how to budget and save money as well as take control of your debt
- financial aid for higher education (such as college)
- small business resources, including micro-loans
By: City Bar Justice Center - Immigrant Women and Children Project
USCIS Asylum Offices
Learn what services are provided in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Asylum Services.
By: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
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Spanish / Español
USCIS Field Office Locator: Find Out Where Your Local Immigration Office Is?
(Separate Website)
Simply put in your zipcode or search by state to find a local immigration office near you.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS Application Service Centers
Learn more about what the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers and how to contact them.
By: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
USCIS Civil Surgeons Locator
(Separate Website)
Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination. The medical examination must be conducted by a civil surgeon who has been designated by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Use this website to find a civil surgeon in your area.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Immigration Forms
(Separate Website)
Visit this website to download and learn more about the application process and charges for different types of immigration forms.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I do not speak English, what is my right to receive information in my language?
Filing a Complaint Regarding an Immigration Court Interpreter
(Separate Website)
By: U.S. Department of Justice: Executive Office of Immigration Review
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Spanish / Español
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Immigration Law Glossary
(Separate Website)
This is a glossary of commonly used words and phrases when talking about immigration law. Definitions for each word and phrases are provided.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
How to Complain About Lawyers and Judges in NYC
(Separate Website)
An overview of how to file complaint against a Lawyer or Judge in NYC. Outlines client's rights and responsibilities.
By: City Bar Justice Center
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