Immigration Questions & Answers

Q: What is a reentry permit and why do I need one? A: A reentry permit allows a permanent resident to stay outside the US for up to 2 years without risking abandonment of residency. It serves as… Read More

Q: How long can a permanent resident stay outside the US without losing their status? A: If you are absent from the U.S. for over 6 months, USCIS may question your intent to maintain residency. Staying outside the… Read More

Can I get legal help if I can’t afford an attorney to prove my U.S. citizenship? A: Yes, nonprofit organizations and legal aid services offer assistance. They help individuals who may have difficulty affording legal representation. They can… Read More

Can I apply for a U.S. passport while gathering evidence to prove my citizenship? A: Yes, you can apply for a U.S. passport while gathering evidence to prove your citizenship. The U.S. passport application process requires you to… Read More

Does living in the U.S. undocumented affect proving citizenship? A: Your current immigration status in the U.S., whether undocumented or on a temporary visa, does not affect your ability to prove U.S. citizenship. You can still demonstrate citizenship… Read More

Are there alternative ways to prove my parent’s U.S. physical presence if I can’t access direct records? A: Yes, if direct records like school or job records are unavailable, use other evidence. This can include statements from family… Read More

Can they deport me if I can’t prove my U.S. citizenship but believe I acquired it at birth? A: Yes, if you fail to provide sufficient evidence of your U.S. citizenship, officials may treat you as a non-citizen.… Read More

What is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, and how can it help me prove my U.S. citizenship? A: A FOIA request allows you to access records from U.S. government agencies that may contain relevant information to… Read More

Can DNA testing help prove my U.S. citizenship if I lack documentation? A: You can use DNA testing to establish a biological relationship with your U.S. citizen parent. However, it cannot alone prove U.S. citizenship. You will still… Read More

What should I do if my U.S. citizen parent is unwilling or unable to help prove my citizenship? A: If your parents are uncooperative or unable to help, gather other forms of evidence. This can include family records,… Read More