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

 

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.

Naturalization Clinics

Beginning April 2022, our office will be holding quarterly naturalization clinics. Contact nylegal@africans.us or 347-746-2281 to get more information or register for a clinic.

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