IMMIGRATION LAW
DCALF represents immigrant children, adults, and families before US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Arlington Asylum Office, and the local immigration courts. In providing client-centered representation, we are sensitive to and respectful of the complicated circumstances that bring clients to our office.
In addition to delivering direct immigration legal services, DCALF collaborates with and relies on allied organizations to support the needs of the community. DCALF stands in solidarity with the immigrant community and has worked closely with local legal services providers and Steptoe LLP to create a website featuring DC Metro Area's Immigrant Guide for planning for care of children and affairs, understanding the immigration system, what to do if confronted by ICE, as well as centralized resources to help immigrants and allies stay informed and protected. Visit https://familiesuniteddcmetro.org or https://familiasunidasdcmetro.org for more information. You may also visit the DC American Civil Liberties' Union's website for their Immigrants' Rights and Resources Hub for up-to-date information.
ASYLUM
DCALF assists children and adults with their applications for asylum before US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the local immigration courts. Eligible individuals are those immigrants who are unable to return to their home country because they fear persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group.
APPLICATIONS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY AND/OR CITIZENSHIP
We assist individuals in the final steps of their immigration matters, including applications for Adjustment of Status and Naturalization before USCIS.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENT (EAD)
We know how vital work authorization can be for one’s livelihood and stability. We help clients with EAD applications and related paperwork, in addition to handling renewal applications.
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS (SIJS)
We help children and their caretakers navigate the process of obtaining SIJS. This two-step process involves a petition in DC Superior Court Family Court and a filing with USCIS. Children who are in the US, under 18 years old and have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment by a parent may be eligible for SIJS, a form of relief which can lead to lawful status in the US.
“I know that a certificate of naturalization might seem like a simple document to some, but it means a lot
to me. It is a matter of belonging to a place – to this country. My DCALF attorneys understood that and
treated my case with great care and attention. They thought about the smallest details and went above and
beyond to ensure that everything was completed correctly, despite the restrictions of the pandemic. I have
consulted 54 attorneys since 1992, and my DCALF attorneys stand out as some of the best. I am eternally
grateful to them. My application would never have happened without them.”
- Mr. C, DCALF Client