Immigration Legal Services

ACT helps African immigrants find free or low-cost assistance with immigration, jobs, and other needs. Each year we help hundreds of African immigrants with free, high-quality immigration legal services. We also provide free referrals to trustworthy nonprofit and government agency partners. Our staff and volunteers speak multiple languages and actively outreach to underserved African communities. 


 

NATIONAL SERVICES

ACT provides the following services nationwide at no cost: 

  • In-depth consultations
  • Case reviews
  • Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”)/Privacy Act Request (G-639) and other FOIA or background checks
  • Informational sessions and speaking engagements
  • Case by case assistance with legal matters including:
    • Petition for Alien Relative (I-130)
    • Application for Naturalization (N400)
    • Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90)
    • Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
    • Application for Travel Document (1-131)
    • Advice on adoption process
    • Limited removal court assistance

For more information, contact nationalactlegal@africans.us or call 610-675-6193

 

Recommended Timeline for Immigration Services


To ensure timely processing of your applications, we strongly advise you to contact your legal
representative well in advance of any expiration or deadline:

  • Visa Renewals & Extensions – Contact an attorney at least 6 months before expiration.
  • Green Card Renewal (I-90) – Apply at least 6 months before expiration.
  • Citizenship Application (N-400) – Begin the process 6-12 months before eligibility.
  • Work Permit Renewal (EAD) – File at least 6 months before expiration.
  • DACA Renewal – Submit at least 150 days (5 months) before expiration.
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Re-registration – Follow designated deadlines closely.
  • Family-Based & Adjustment of Status Applications – Start as early as possible due to backlogs.
  • Asylum Applications – Must be filed within one year of arrival (unless exceptions apply).
  • Responding to RFEs, Appeals, or Motions – Act immediately upon receiving notice.


Why Is This Important?


Delays in filing can result in:
⚠️ Missed deadlines, leading to loss of immigration benefits
⚠️ Increased processing times due to USCIS backlogs
⚠️ Risk of status expiration and potential immigration consequences


What Should You Do?


✅ Regularly check the expiration dates on your immigration documents.
✅ Contact a qualified legal representative well before deadlines approach.
✅ Gather necessary documents early to prevent last-minute issues.
✅ Stay informed about immigration policies that may affect your status.
Early planning can make all the difference!

 

NEW YORK CITY SERVICES

Our New York City Office is able to serve residents of New York City only. If you reside outside of the city, we may be able to refer you to other partners or services that can assist you.

TYPES OF LEGAL SERVICES OFFERED:

  • Application for Naturalization (N400);
  • Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600);
  • Petition for Alien Relative (I-130);
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485);
  • Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90);
  • Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (I-751);
  • Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) (I821D);
  • Application for Temporary Protected Status (I-821);
  • Application for Employment Authorization (I-765);
  • Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document (I-102);
  • Extension of Authorized Stay (for humanitarian purposes only) (I-539);
  • Application for Travel Document (1-131);
  • Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”)/Privacy Act Request (G-639) and other FOIA or background checks.
  • VAWA self-petitions
  • I-601 waivers
  • U visas/ T visas
  • SIJS petitions
    • Must have had/ have a family lawyer for family court
  • Asylee derivative adjustment petitions
  • Motions to reopen/ reconsider with USCIS (I-290B)
  • Advice on the adoption process
  • Naturalization appeals 

LIMITED REPRESENTATION

  • Cases involving criminal convictions -  CASE BY CASE BASIS
    • We will follow particular guidelines in deciding whether to pick up representation
  • Asylum - CASE BY CASE BASIS
    • We will follow particular guidelines in deciding whether to pick up representation
  • BIA Appeals - CASE BY CASE BASIS
    • We will follow particular guidelines in deciding whether to pick up representation 

 


WASHINGTON, D.C., MARYLAND, VIRGINIA SERVICES

Our D.C., Maryland, and Virginia office is able to serve residents of the D.C. metro area. If you reside outside of the DMV, we may be able to refer you to other partners or services that can assist you.

Standing Clinic:

Wednesdays 10am EST- 1pm EST ( DC Office: 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20003)

Remote Clinics:

We offer in-person clinics at churches, mosques, or community centers in D.C. To book a clinic or learn more, please contact us at DMV@africans.us or call us at 202.816.0416 or 240.621.0194

TYPES OF LEGAL SERVICES OFFERED:

We provide immigration legal screening and full and limited representation based on residency and income eligibility. For example - we assist with:  

  • Application for Naturalization (N400);
  • Application for Certificate of Citizenship (N-600);
  • Petition for Alien Relative (I-130);
  • Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485);
  • Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (I-90);
  • Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (I-751);
  • Application for Temporary Protected Status (I-821);
  • Application for Employment Authorization (I-765);
  • Application for Travel Document (1-131);
  • Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”)/Privacy Act Request (G-639) and other FOIA or background checks.
  • VAWA self-petitions
  • Asylee derivative adjustment petitions
  • Pro-se Asylum

To book an intake: Please contact us at DMV@africans.us or call us at 202.816.0416

 

FAQ/Resources