Immigrant Law Center of MN:
Rural Immigration Project
|
Recently, a young adult came into ILCM’s Austin office concerned about renewing their lawful permanent residence card that was due to expire. Adding to their stress was a minor criminal issue that they feared could jeopardize their legal status.
Like many immigrants, the client’s family hadn’t been able to afford quality legal advice when they first arrived in the country. The client had no idea they’d derived citizenship through a parent shortly after immigrating. Instead, they spent years navigating a maze of confusion, wasting money on incorrect forms, and living in fear of making one wrong move that could uproot their life. |
|
All that changed within minutes of sitting down with one of our attorneys. After carefully reviewing the case, the attorney confidently explained, “You’re already a U.S. citizen.” Those words were transformative. For the first time, the client saw a way forward.
The attorney guided the client through gathering the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship, a task that might have felt impossible without help, given the years of delay. The client’s case is now on track to be filed soon.
Not every client’s story ends this way. Many lack access to critical information, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation or mistakes. But for this client, this interaction eased fear and uncertainty and put them on track for a safe and secure new beginning.
The attorney guided the client through gathering the necessary documentation to prove their citizenship, a task that might have felt impossible without help, given the years of delay. The client’s case is now on track to be filed soon.
Not every client’s story ends this way. Many lack access to critical information, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation or mistakes. But for this client, this interaction eased fear and uncertainty and put them on track for a safe and secure new beginning.
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
