Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 24 resources
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Answers to Common Questions - How Do I . . .
(Separate Website)
The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has created a series of documents that they call "How Do I …?s" These documents cover a wide variety of topics on immigration matters and are meant to assist you in finding the information you need about a particular immigration and asylum subject. Each How Do I …? starts with background information on the chosen topic, and then helps answer your questions about INS procedures. Each How Do I …? links you to information on the INS Website and, sometimes, to relevant information on other U.S. Government Websites. These links go to the relevant sections of immigration law and federal regulations, to instructions on applying for immigration benefits, the correct form and fee, and so on.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Beware of Dishonest Immigrant Consultants
(Separate Website)
Recent immigrants who don't speak English fluently are easy prey for dishonest people who pretend to help them. This brochure, by the National Consumer Law Center helps you protect yourself against dishonest immigrant consultants.
By: National Consumer Law Center
Check Your Immigration Status Online
(Separate Website)
If you have an application receipt number, you can check the status of your case online.
By: U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service
Foreign Labor Certification
(Separate Website)
Hiring foreign workers for employment in the U.S. normally requires approval from several government agencies. Certain visa categories first require employers to seek labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Once the application is certified (approved), the employer must petition the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) for a visa. Approval by DOL does not guarantee a visa issuance. The Department of State (DOS) will issue a visa number to the foreign worker for U.S. entry. Applicants must also establish that they are admissible to the U.S. under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This site provides information to assist an employer in preparing a labor certification application in any one of the several employment-based visa programs.
By: U.S. Department of Labor
Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers
(Separate Website)
Are you temporarily in the United States to work? If you are, your employer will ask for your Social Security number. Social Security numbers are used to report your wages to the government. Social Security numbers can be assigned to foreign workers who are authorized to work in the United States.
By: Social Security Administration
HIV-Related Testing Requirements & Restrictions for Entry Into Foreign Countries
(Separate Website)
This resource contains a list of countries and the HIV-Related testing requirements.
By: LAMBDA Legal Defense & Education Fund
How Can An Immigration Lawyer Help You?
(Separate Website)
If you or a family member is interested in living in the United States, you may need someone who can help you understand U.S. immigration laws and who can help you apply for legal status. This page will help you decide if you need an immigration lawyer and what you need to know to choose a qualified lawyer or authorized representative. Lawyers will tell you what to expect up front. They will warn you of the risks and possibilities that can reasonably be expected.
By: American Immigration Lawyers Association
Immigrant Rights
(Separate Website)
Since this nation's founding, more than 55 million immigrants from every continent have settled in the United States. In fact, with the exception of Native Americans, everyone living in this country is either an immigrant or the descendent of voluntary or involuntary immigrants.
By: American Civil Liberties Union
Immigration Basics - Overview
(Separate Website)
This web page explains basic information about immigration classifications in the United States and describes the process for adjusting your classification.
By: The American Immigration Law Foundation
Immigration Basics - Permanent Residence
(Separate Website)
If you want to live permanently in the United States, you have to be sponsored for an immigrant visa by a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (Ògreen card holderÓ), or you can be sponsored by a U.S. employer who wants to hire you on a permanent full-time basis. The process to obtain an immigrant visa is highly regulated. Having a family member or an employer sponsor is only one part of the immigrant visa process. U.S. immigration laws for the immigrant visa application process include numerous requirements. If you came to the U.S. illegally, or if you have ever been arrested, or if you have ever worked without authorization from the immigration service or remained in the U.S. beyond a departure date, or if you have ever failed to tell the truth when applying for a U.S. visa, you should consult with a lawyer before applying for an immigrant visa.
By: The American Immigration Law Foundation
Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior
(Separate Website)
El IME cubre las funciones de la Oficina Presidencial para la Atención de las Comunidades Mexicanas en el Extranjero y del Programa para las Comunidades Mexicanas en el Exterior; cuenta con un Consejo Consultivo integrado por 152 miembros, representantes de la comunidad mexicana y mexicano-americana en Estados Unidos.
By: Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior
Know Before You Go
(Separate Website)
This web page contains U.S. Customs and Border Protection Regulations for U.S. Residents: 1. Introduction 2. When You Return To The United States 3. Documentary Requirements For Entry 4. What You Must Declare 5. Register Items Before You Leave the United States 6. Duty-Free Exemption 7. Gifts 8. Duty-Free or Reduced Rates 9. Increased Duty Rates 10. Paying Duty 11. Sending Goods to the United States 12. Unaccompanied Baggage 13. Unaccompanied Purchases from Insular Possessions and Caribbean Basin Countries 14. Duty-Free Shops 15. Prohibited and Restricted Items 16. Money and Other Monetary Instruments 17. Traveling Back and Forth Across the Border 18. Photographic Film 19. Customer Service Programs 20. Other Travel-related Information
By: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Limited English Proficiency Education Community Education on Limited English Proficiency
By: South Carolina Legal Services
Make an Appointment with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(Separate Website)
Make an Online Appointment with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Obtaining a U.S. Visa
(Separate Website)
This guide takes you though the basic steps on what you can expect throughout the process.
By: U.S. Department of State
Public Charge Fact Sheet
(Separate Website)
Information for immigrants who receive public benefits and are trying to get a green card. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Student Visas
(Separate Website)
If you want to study in the United States in an academic institution or to take language training in English, you may be able to receive an F-1 student visa. An academic institution may be a university, an established college, a private high school or a private elementary school. Study in a public high school or a public elementary school may be possible, but only under very limited circumstances. If you plan to study in a public high school or elementary school you should consult with a lawyer before doing so to avoid serious problems.
By: The American Immigration Law Foundation
The Dream Act Fact Sheet
(Separate Website)
Information on the Dream Act, which would affect some undocumented immigrants. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
U.S. Passports
(Separate Website)
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport. A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports. This web site contains more information about U.S. passports.
By: U.S. Department of State
U.S. Visa Information for Immigrants Seeking Permanent Resident Status
(Separate Website)
Foreign citizens wishing to immigrate to live permanently in the U.S. must comply with U.S. visa immigration law, and specific procedures to apply for your visa. Click on the links below for more information on forms to use for visa applications, photograph requirements and more. Based on law, not everyone will receive a visa to come to the U.S. Learn about denials, ineligibilities and waivers.
By: U.S. Department of State
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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(Separate Website)
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