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 person should not seek legal advice
from a notario or an “immigration consultant” who is not accredited by the BIA.
What is Legalization?
Legalization would allow undocumented immigrants to file an application for legal immigration status in the United
States.
Earned legalization is being considered by Congress currently. If it passes into law, undocumented immigrants
might be able to apply for temporary legal status in the United States. Then after a certain period of time in
temporary legal status, they could apply for lawful permanent residence.
Or, legislation might permit an undocumented person to apply to adjust from undocumented status directly to
lawful permanent residence. Because there is not yet a law on legalization, the exact pathway to permanent
residence in the United States is currently unknown.
Lawful Permanent Residents are “green card” holders. A green card permits an immigrant to work and reside
legally in the United States. It also allows travel to and from the United States. A certain time after receiving a
green card, an immigrant can apply to become a U.S. citizen.
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 person should not seek legal advice
from a notario or an “immigration consultant” who is not accredited by the BIA.
What is Legalization?
Legalization would allow undocumented immigrants to file an application for legal immigration status in the United
States.
Earned legalization is being considered by Congress currently. If it passes into law, undocumented immigrants
might be able to apply for temporary legal status in the United States. Then after a certain period of time in
temporary legal status, they could apply for lawful permanent residence.
Or, legislation might permit an undocumented person to apply to adjust from undocumented status directly to
lawful permanent residence. Because there is not yet a law on legalization, the exact pathway to permanent
residence in the United States is currently unknown.
Lawful Permanent Residents are “green card” holders. A green card permits an immigrant to work and reside
legally in the United States. It also allows travel to and from the United States. A certain time after receiving a
green card, an immigrant can apply to become a U.S. citizen.
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2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20017
202.635.2556
202.635.2649 fax
media inquiries:
(202) 635-5810
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