Notes from our Legal Service staff

Immigration Legal Service Program notes:

Domestic Violence Awareness
Many immigrants remain in abusive marriages, unaware of their special legal rights under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  Immigrants abused by a legal resident or U.S. citizen spouse - or whose child has been abused - may qualify to "self-petition" their immigration case. All VAWA petitions are decided by mail by a special unit of USCIS that is trained in the generous provisions of VAWA law, and the dynamics of domestic violence. On the petition's approval, abuse survivors and their foreign-born children can obtain work permits, and eventually, become legal residents - all independently, without the abuser's knowledge or consent. VAWA frees those subjected to physical or severe emotional abuse during their marriage, men and women alike, to decide on their next steps without fear of deportation. Survivors of domestic violence can petition under VAWA no matter how long ago the abuse took place, and whether or not they still live with the abuser, are separated, or have reconciled. A two-year window even allows them to self-petition after divorce, the abusive U.S. citizen's death, or the abuser's deportation due to the violence. All credible evidence is acceptable under VAWA law, allowing abuse survivors to self-petition even if they never got an order of protection, made a police report, or pressed charges .in criminal court.

For more information on our VAWA Program, please call or visit our office:
(773) 542-7077
3047 W. Cermak Road
Our Lady of Tepeyac Convent Site
Chicago, IL 60623
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On October 1, 2008 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services introduced the new "redesigned" naturalization test to applicants for U.S. citizenship. 
 
As before, the civics portion tests for knowledge of U.S. history and government, and the language portion tests the ability to speak, read, and write basic English. The reorganized and expanded test requires broader knowledge, including the principles of American democracy; the U.S. system of government; national symbols and national holidays; basics of U.S. geography; and key U.S. history of the colonial period, 1800s, 1900s, and early 21st century. The redesigned English exam for both reading and writing draws on a longer vocabulary list that focuses on civics and history topics. This vocabulary list, sample sentences for the writing test, and civics questions and flash cards are available at www.uscis.gov Immigrants whose naturalization applications (Form N-400) are received by USCIS on or after October 1, 2008 must take the redesigned test. However, those whose N-400s were received before October 1, 2008 and who are interviewed before October 2009 may choose between the two versions, and if they don't pass the first time, will re-take the same test. All future applicants, and any whose initial interviews are after next October 1, must take the new test. As before, a "disability exception" is available to those immigrants unable to meet the English and civics exams because severe physical or mental impairment. The waiver form, USCIS Form N-648, must be completed by their physician, explaining in detail how the applicant's condition impacts his or her ability to learn and retain information. 

For more information on filing for your United States Citizenship, please call or visit out office:

(773) 542-7077
3047 W. Cermak Road
Our Lady of Tepeyac Convent Site
Chicago, IL 60623