Here are some general “frequently asked questions” about LUM immigration services — and the answers.
Q: Need to find the contact information for a specific government agency?
A: In the first pages of the USCIS new citizen guide you’ll find contact information for all the federal departments and agencies, a list of the federal holidays observed, and specific information to contact USCIS.
Q: Want to know what research resources are available?
A: This section of the USCIS guide orients you to the purpose of the Guide for New Immigrants and includes free resources to answer further questions you may have on life in America.
Q: Have questions about maintaining your permanent resident status? Want to know your rights?
A: Becoming a US Citizen comes with a lot of perks, but also a few responsibilities. Both are outlined in this chapter with explanations on how to renew your permanent resident card, how to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status, if you have them, how to find legal assistance, and the consequences you may face if charged with a crime as a permanent resident.
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 12-25
- Change your address with USCIS
- Get an I-131 form
- Get an I-751 form to remove conditions on residence
Q: Have social security questions? Want to know what to do if you’re a victim of housing discrimination?
A: This section deals with the fundamental checklist of things you’ll need to do as a permanent resident. This starts with getting a social security number, which is often needed by financial institutions to set up bank accounts or receive aid, schools, and to get a driver’s license. This section also gives options on how to find housing and where to go if you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination, the best way to look for a job and how to determine if you’re eligible for employment, childcare, and transportation options.
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 27-45
- Find a social security office
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (English)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Spanish)
Q: Need help filling out tax forms or with personal finance?
A: The “taking care of your money” section discusses how to keep you personal finances in order, what the different types of tax are in the U.S. and how to pay them, and how to protect yourself from scams, identity theft, and other fraud.
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 47-55
- I-9 form
- Confirm your eligibility to work (English)
- Confirm your eligibility to work (Spanish)
- Find a Taxpayer Assistance Center
- File a complaint if you believe you have been scammed
Q: Have questions about health care, education, or federal benefits programs?
A: This section provides information on the different forms of education in the U.S., health care, and other federal benefits programs. It includes information on how to enroll your child in school and common questions about transportation to and from school, activities, and school lunch. It also runs through the type of higher education degrees anyone can pursue, regardless of age, and how to apply for federal financial aid. It also talks about federal and state healthcare and federal benefits programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 57-73
- Learn about federal student aid
- Find an ESL program
- Enroll in Medicare
- SNAP information
Q: Want to know how to protect yourself and your family in an emergency?
A: This section has information on how to prepare for an emergency, like making sure you have working smoke alarms in your home and what to put in a disaster kit. It also includes under what general situation you should call 911 for and what happens when you do and the important government agencies that will issue alerts in the case of a natural disaster.
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 75-81
- Find out about safety alerts from the National Terrorism Advisory System
- Prepare for an emergency
Q: Have questions about American history or the function of the government?
A: This chapter includes a brief history of how the United States came to be and an outline on the three branches of the federal government. It also includes an outline of the fundamental rights of every citizen and the functions of state and local governments.
Q: Do you want to take your permanent resident status a step further and become a United States citizen?
A: The last chapter describes the process of naturalization, or how to turn your permanent residence status to a citizenship. It includes the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen and the requirements for naturalization.
- Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 97-107
- See if you’re eligible for naturalization
- The guide to naturalization
- Take the LUM citizenship class
- Study for the naturalization test
Find the guide in other languages!
FAQs for NATURALIZATION, click HERE.
Go back to main LUM Immigration Clinic page, click HERE.