Deferred Action
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.
Employment Authorization
It is important to renew your EAD before it expires if you want to continue working in the U.S.
Initial EAD: This document proves you are allowed to work in the United States.
Renewal EAD: This document renews your initial EAD. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your original EAD expires.
Replacement EAD: This document replaces a lost, stolen, or mutilated EAD. A replacement EAD also replaces an EAD that was issued with incorrect information, such as a misspelled name.
Initial EAD: This document proves you are allowed to work in the United States.
Renewal EAD: This document renews your initial EAD. Generally, you should not file for a renewal EAD more than 180 days before your original EAD expires.
Replacement EAD: This document replaces a lost, stolen, or mutilated EAD. A replacement EAD also replaces an EAD that was issued with incorrect information, such as a misspelled name.
Lawful Permanent Residents
If your 10-year green card is expired or expiring within the next 6 months, it’s time to renew it. An expired green card does not mean you’re no longer a lawful U.S. permanent resident. However, you need a valid green card to prove that you can live and work lawfully in the United States and to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.
You must replace your Green Card if:
You were issued a card valid for 10 years that has either expired or will expire within 6 months.
Your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
Your card was issued with incorrect data (name, DOB, issued date) due to USCIS administrative error.
Your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
Your card was issued with incorrect data (name, DOB, issued date) due to USCIS administrative error.
Citizenship
You may apply for naturalization when you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. Citizen. General eligibility requirements are the following:
Applicant has been a Lawful Permanent Resident for a required period of time
Applicant is 18 years old or older
Applicant is of good moral character
Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
Applicant was physically present in the U.S at least half of the requisite time
Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
Applicant has been a Lawful Permanent Resident for a required period of time
Applicant is 18 years old or older
Applicant is of good moral character
Applicant must pass a test on U.S. history and government
Applicant was physically present in the U.S at least half of the requisite time
Applicant has maintained lawful permanent residence continuously
Applicant swears loyalty to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance
UNITED STATES CITIZEN
A United States or a Permanent Resident may sponsor his or her spouse through a petition for a Green Card. In order to obtain immigration benefits available to a spouse, there must be a valid, good-faith marriage between the parties.