Immigrant Help
Welcome
There are two things all immigrants need to know. First, to get lawful permanent residency, or a green card, you need to make sure you pick the right immigrant visa. You may find that you qualify for more than one immigrant visa. But you should work with an attorney to determine which applications will more likely lead you to a green card.
Second, once you have an immigrant visa, you will either need to adjust status or go through consular processing. However, the fact that you have an immigrant visa is no guarantee that you will get lawful permanent residency. This process is separate from applying for your immigrant visa, and your attorney can guide you through it.
Immigrant Help
Welcome
There are two things all immigrants need to know. First, to get lawful permanent residency, or a green card, you need to make sure you pick the right immigrant visa. You may find that you qualify for more than one immigrant visa. But you should work with an attorney to determine which applications will more likely lead you to a green card.
Second, once you have an immigrant visa, you will either need to adjust status or go through consular processing. However, the fact that you have an immigrant visa is no guarantee that you will get lawful permanent residency. This process is separate from applying for your immigrant visa, and your attorney can guide you through it.
Green Cards
A green card is evidence that the holder has "lawful permanent residency", or permission to live and work in the United States. Everyone calls them green cards, but some are pink and some are white. Learn More
VAWA Self-Petition
The Violence Against Women Act, (VAWA) protects certain immigrant victims of domestic violence. Available to both men and women, it allows people to apply for lawful permanent residency without having to rely on an abusive family member who could otherwise petition for them. It allows an abused immigrant to escape domestic violence along with any minor children. Learn More
Detention Preparedness
If you know that you are at risk for being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) you need to prepare yourself now. Making arrangements ahead of time will save you and your family a lot of stress if you ever become detained. Do not wait to make arrangements until ICE is at your front door. Learn More
Citizenship Application
Becoming a citizen is different for everyone depending on their personal circumstances. We can help you understand your individual requirements, including if you can take the test for free or in your native language. Learn More
Integration and Education
Refugees and immigrants of all backgrounds can benefit from the free integration and education programs we offer. Catholic Charities Milwaukee can help you learn English, prepare for citizenship, understand American culture, and more. Learn More
DACA Application
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was created to help people who came to the United States as children. Eligible applicants get deferred action for two-year increments. For those two year periods, DACA recipients also get employment authorization, or work permits. However, deferred action is not a path to a green card or citizenship. It is just a way for participants to stay in the United States without fear of deportation. Learn More
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Sometimes people cannot leave the United States because of unsafe conditions in their home country, such as war or natural disaster. The United States recognizes this, and can give foreign nationals Temporary Protected Status, or TPS as it is more commonly known. To clarify, you cannot apply for TPS from your home country. You must already be in the United States when the unsafe conditions start in your home country. Learn More
Green Card Renewal
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you should always keep your green card valid. Renewing a green card is not complicated, but like anything else with immigration, there are some things you have to watch out for. Learn More
Visiting the United States
If you are planning a trip to the United States, you need to prepare your travel documents before you arrange your travel. Make sure your passport is up-to-date and confirm whether or not you need a visa for the duration of your stay.
Please note: this page is intended for people coming to the United States for the first time. The following information is not meant for returning lawful permanent residents or United States citizens. Learn More
Seek the Help of a Good Lawyer
We Can't Stress This Enough
These pages are intended to help you understand what you are looking for – not to help you complete any of these applications alone. Immigration law is detailed and complicated, and we urge you to rely on a well-trained lawyer for help. Find an immigration attorney who will give you an honest assessment of your case and guide you through the processes.
Additional Resources
The United States allows citizens of some countries to travel to the United States without a visa through the visa waiver program. However, this privilege comes with some significant drawbacks.
If you want to come to the United States to study, you have to go to a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After you are accepted by your school of choice, you will work closely with them throughout your immigration process.
Each October, the U.S. Department of State hosts what is called the Diversity Visa Lottery. But remember, an immigrant visa is just the first step in getting a green card or lawful permanent residency.
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). It is the Church’s task not only to present constantly the Lord’s teaching of faith but also to indicate its appropriate application to the various situations which the changing times continue to create. Today the illegal migrant comes before us like that “stranger” in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself.
Message of Pope John Paul II for World Migration Day, 1996
From the Vatican, 25 July 1995, the seventeenth year of my Pontificate.
Pope John Paul II, Photo Credit: Bundesarchiv, B 145 Bild-F059404-0019 / Schaack, Lothar / CC-BY-SA [CC BY-SA 3.0 de (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/de/deed.en)]