Immigration

NEED HELP?

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT:

• Your immigration status?
• Becoming a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States?
• Becoming a Citizen of the United States?

DO YOU NEED:

• Legal advice about an immigration concern?
• Legal representation in an immigration matter?
• Assistance with immigration applications?

CONSULTATIONS:

Consultations are offered by appointment only.

OUR LOCATIONS:

SERVICIOS DE INMIGRACIÓN DE CARIDADES CATÓLICAS

Proveemos mucho más que servicios legales a inmigrantes

Preservamos y reunimos familias. Proveemos acceso y oportunidad.

En los servicios de inmigración de Caridades Católicas, les proveemos asistencia a aquellos que tienen reclamos legales válidos para cambiar su estatus migratorio en los Estados Unidos. Con ello, contribuimos a una sociedad más justa y más humana a través del ofrecimiento de acceso igualitario a servicios legales, la fomentación y preservación de la estructura familiar a través de la reunificación de familias, y la promoción de la autoestima al adquirir un estatus legal.

Proveemos consejería, asistencia y representación legal:

• Proceso de visa familiar
• Naturalización/Ciudadanía
• Visas U/VAWA
• Defensa ante una deportación
• Acción diferida para jóvenes/DACA

Educamos a la comunidad sobre temas de inmigración:

• Noches de clínicas legales
• Capacitación gratuita sobre leyes de inmigración y las maneras no autorizadas de ejercer el Derecho
• Servicios de alcance comunitario y materiales educativos

Proveemos servicios de calidad por todo Colorado y Wyoming
Caridades Católicas ha brindado ayuda a inmigrantes de bajos recursos o indigentes por todo el estado de Colorado desde 1974. Nuestro personal bilingüe cuenta con más de 25 años de experiencia en leyes de inmigración.

Para asegurar acceso igualitario a nuestros servicios para ambas comunidades inmigrantes, la rural y la urbana, contamos con oficinas en Denver, Glenwood Springs y Greeley.

¿NECESITA AYUDA?

¿TIENE PREGUNTAS SOBRE?

• Su estado migratorio
• Cómo convertirse en un residente legal permanente de los Estados Unidos
• Cómo convertirse en ciudadano de este país

NECESITA:

• Consejo legal sobre una cuestión de inmigración
• Representación legal en un asunto de inmigración
• Ayuda con sus solicitudes o papeleo de inmigración

CONSULTAS:

Las consultas se ofrecen solo con cita previa.

NUESTRAS OFICINAS:

Area Metro de Denver
Precio de la consulta: $35
Solo por cita previa
Llame al 303-742-4971 para hacer una cita.

Norte de Colorado (Oficina en Greeley)
Solo por cita previa
Llame al 303-742-4971 para hacer una cita.

Western Slope (Oficina en Glenwood Springs)
Solo por cita previa
Llame al (970) 384-2060 ext. 1552 para hacer una cita.

Nota: No se puede ofrecer consejo legal a partir de preguntas hechas en esta página web. Favor de volver a leer referirse a la información sobre nuestros servicios de consejería antes mencionados.

FROM GREEN CARD TO U.S. CITIZENSHIP, ONE CATHOLIC CHARITIES IMMIGRATION SERVICES CLIENT SHARES HER STORY
Being a single mother is never an easy task. Before Rosalia Hernandez* came to the United States, she struggled not only with raising her 5-year-old daughter, but also dealing with a stagnant economy with far less opportunities and social mobility. Guatemala is a country beset by political insecurity and characterized by unequal distribution of wealth. Eventually, Rosalia determined that establishing economic security for her daughter was the most important task, and that this was not a possibility for her in Guatemala.

Rosalia came to the US in the year 2000, and throughout her years spent here, the rural poverty rate in Guatemala continued to increase, which placed an undue burden on her to continue providing for her family. She went nearly 13 years without seeing her daughter. She describes the process of obtaining legal permanent resident status as very confusing and frustrating. She was investigating ways to become a resident from the moment she arrived but was unable to complete the process until 2014. She believes there ought to be more information available for people who are looking to contribute to our community and is extremely grateful towards the organizations such as Catholic Charities Immigration Services that helped to steer her in the right direction. After obtaining LPR status, she was finally able to bring her daughter here to the US, who is now 26 years old and also hopes to become a citizen one day.

While she is nervous for the test, Rosalia believes that the material is very interesting and important to learn about. She is particularly fascinated with the American civil war and the way it changed the course of history. She is studying with different flashcards and resources on Youtube and practicing speaking English at work. This helps her to maintain the balance between working and studying, and she really enjoys practicing with her kids for fun as well. Her test is coming up soon in November, and she’s hoping to have a huge celebration with family and friends upon completing it.

Rosalia says that she has always had a natural inclination towards becoming a US citizen, because she feels that this is her home, and wants to help others to have the same opportunities she has had. Upon obtaining her citizenship, she is hoping to get involved in an organization such as ours, or potentially seek employment in the government to help empower other mothers and immigrants. She believes that anything is possible, and that you can always strive for something greater. She wants other immigrants to know that while the process of obtaining citizenship can be very nerve-wracking, we live in a time with limitless free resources, and that learning to efficiently use the internet and other modern technologies can help in all different areas of life. The momentum she’s gained in pursuing her goal has allowed her to become a more active and knowledgeable member of her community, and she’s excited to share this important final step with all the people who have helped her along the way.

If you are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, visit our citizenship tab for more information, or call us at (303) 742-4971.
*Name changed to protect client confidentiality.

Written by Cole McCannon

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Capuchin Poor Clares – Sister Teresa Ángeles, O.S.C. Cap.

Denver, CO -- Nestled in the Highlands, off Pecos St. and 33^rd, sits an old mission church that has opened its doors to Irish, Italian, and Hispanic immigrants since 1907. St. Patrick’s Church, recognizable by its Spanish Colonial revival style and copper capped towers, now serves as the home of the Capuchin Poor Clares - a religious order whose history dates to the 16th century. At the request of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, a group of Sisters volunteered to leave their existing community in Mexico to start a new order in Denver. Using the old rectory of St. Patrick’s Church, ten Sisters arrived in November of 1988 to establish the Monastery of Our Lady of Light. More than 30 years later, as the surrounding area sprouts up taprooms and restaurants, and the neighborhoods remodel, the Sisters continue to thrive in their cloistered community - living, working, and praying with one another.

Sister Teresa Ángeles, O.S.C. Cap. joined the Capuchin Poor Clares 36 years ago at the age of 15. Presently there are age requirements to enter, but Sr. Teresa felt her admission at the time was a blessing. Originally from Apaseo El Grande located in Guanajuato, Mexico, she grew up as one of eight children. Two older sisters had already joined the order, residing at the monastery in Irapuato, Guanajuato - an hour outside of her home. When asked if her sisters' decision to join affected her own she dismissed it saying that it was rather an internal call from God. "I remember asking the Lord to help me because I was losing faith in God and thinking maybe God didn't exist", she recalls. This doubt, however, moved her to begin a simple prayer - "[Lord] If you really exist, please help me to believe in you". It was that small invitation that catalyzed a complete change within her. She began to pray in her room and read the Bible. Jesus started to become a person for her, rather than an idea. St. Pope John Paul II wrote, "it is Jesus you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you", and before seeking Jesus, Sr. Teresa felt that "everything was empty without God". Although she had no formal religion classes, she was inspired by both her parents' deep devotion to the faith and St. Thérèse of Lisieux. During mass, Sr. Teresa remembers her mother being entirely free from distraction during prayer and her father always intently focused on the Eucharist. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, through her autobiography, taught Sr. Teresa that holiness was possible. The saint, who similarly joined the Carmelites at age 15, is well known for the “Little Way" - encouraging others to do small things for the love of God.

Sr. Teresa lives this out in community as they serve one another in little ways. Their daily life inside the monastery is as follows:

It is a rhythm of prayer, work, community, and quiet contemplation. Living a cloistered life certainly seems unconventional, but in their retreat from the normal world they come to know God. It’s comparable to admiring the Rocky Mountains from I-70 vs. summiting the peaks. One has a different, more intimate view. For Sr. Teresa, the environment (of the monastery) provides a disposition for prayer. “I have been called to a life of prayer… and our mission is to help the Church with our prayers.”

There’s a timeline of 8 years before one takes their final vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Poverty is particularly highlighted within the Capuchin order because it mirrors Christ, who chose to be poor. St. Clare once said there is a “privilege in poverty”, and Sr. Teresa feels that poverty has freed her and provided the opportunity to trust in the Lord. The Sisters, who own nothing apart from the habits they wear (and sew themselves), are completely dependent on God to provide even their basic needs. By her accounts, the Lord has always come through.

This trust in God’s constancy is the same trust that moved Sr. Teresa to join the order at 15, despite her parents’ apprehension. It moved her to volunteer to be one of the ten that would immigrant to the US and begin a new life in Denver. With that reliant spirit, her go-to prayer has become: “Lord have mercy on me. Help me to be what you want me to be.” Although most are not called to live the same way as these women, Sr. Teresa reminds us that we can still reserve a part of our day for the Lord and to remember that He is present with us.

This is the second story of the series celebrating National Catholic Sisters Week, a week dedicated to celebrating and honoring all women religious. More information can be found at: http://www.nationalcatholicsistersweek.org/

For more information about the Capuchin Poor Clares, please visit their website: http://ourladyoflightmonastery.com/*The Sisters bake and sell “Clarisas Cookies” as a means of supporting their community. Orders can be made on their website. Tickets to their annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser can also be purchased on the website.

Catholic Charities of Denver Immigration Services would like to thank Sr. Teresa Ángeles and the Capuchin Poor Clares for sharing their story with us.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Click here to view a list of individuals and businesses who have been involved in the unauthorized practice of law. None of these individuals or businesses are currently licensed to practice law in Colorado and cannot represent you in a court proceeding or with immigration matters:

To find out if any attorney has been disciplined, go to this link and search by name: http://coloradosupremecourt.com/Search/AttSearch.asp.

For a list of currently disciplined practitioners and their disciplinary history click here: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-of-currently-disciplined-practitioners

Haga clic aquí para ver una lista de personas y empresas que han sido involucradas practicando la ley sin tener ninguna licencia o autorización. Actualmente, ninguna de estas personas o empresas tiene la licencia para practicar la ley en Colorado y no lo puede representar en las cortes o en un caso de inmigración.

Para saber si un abogado ha sido castigado o sancionado por la corte suprema de Colorado, siga esta enlace y busque por el nombre del abogado/a -- http://coloradosupremecourt.com/Search/AttSearch.asp

Para una lista de abogados disciplinados actualmente y los antecedentes disciplinarios de un abogado, haga clic aquí: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/lista-de-abogados-disciplinados-actualmente

FREE CITIZENSHIP ASSISTANCE

TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE PLEASE CONTACT US AT 303-742-4971

ANNOUNCEMENT: USCIS Announces Plans to Revert to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test

On Dec. 1, 2020, USCIS implemented a revised version of the civics test for naturalization (2020 civics test). Due to recent policy changes, some applicants required to take the 2020 civics test may now have a choice to take the 2020 test or the 2008 civics test. Please note that after April 19, 2021, USCIS will only offer the 2008 civics test at the initial interview appointment regardless of filing date. For more information, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-reverts-to-the-2008-version-of-the-naturalization-civics-test

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN

Citizenship is a cornerstone of our democracy and obtaining this status is a pivotal milestone in the lives of immigrants living in the United States. There are many benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen including:

1. The Right to Immigrate Family Members

U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider number of family members to come to the U.S. than lawful permanent residents.

2. Derivative Citizenship for Children

When a lawful permanent resident gets their citizenship, their children may automatically become U.S. citizens by derivation, provided they meet certain requirements

3. Full Civic Participation

This includes not only the right to vote in national, state and local elections, but also the right to run for elected office and to serve on a jury

4. More Employment and Educational Opportunities

Many federal, state and local government jobs, as well as certain scholarships for higher education require U.S. citizenship

5. Travel Benefits

U.S. citizens can travel outside the country for unlimited periods of time and may reenter freely, while lawful permanent residents may never leave the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time and must remain in the U.S. at least half of their time.

6. Protection from Deportation

U.S. citizens, unlike lawful permanent residents cannot be deported.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALIZATION

If you meet the basic requirements listed below, please contact our office for your full, individual consultation

1. Be at least 18 years old;
2. Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for 5 years in the U.S.; *
3. Have continuous residence in the U.S. as an LPR for 5 years; *
4. Have been physically present in the U.S. for a least half of the 5 years; *
5. Have lived in Colorado for the past 3 months;
6. Can pass a test of speaking, reading and writing basic English; **
7. Pass a test of U.S. history and Government; ***
8. Be a person of good moral character and
9. Understand and accept the oath of allegiance to the U.S.***

*Three years if you obtained your residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse
**Unless eligible for an exemption based on age and years of residency
***Unless eligible for an exemption based on disability

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IMMIGRATION SERVICES OF DENVER IS EMBARKING ON A PROJECT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON BASIC CONCEPTS AND STICKY ISSUES IN CITIZENSHIP APPLICATIONS VIA REGULAR BLOG-STYLE POSTS THROUGHOUT 2021. BE SURE TO CHECK BACK OFTEN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CORNERSTONE PROCESS OF OUR DEMOCRACY.

What to expect for the citizenship exam

The citizenship test mainly consists of two components; a test of an applicant’s ability to read, speak and write in English, and their knowledge of U.S. history and government. While the citizenship test briefly changed under the previous administration, as of April 19, 2021, USCIS has reverted to giving the 2008 version of the civics test to naturalization applicants at their interviews.  For most applicants, the test consists of 100 questions based on U.S. government and history. Officers will ask ten questions drawn from the original 100 and of those ten, applicants must answer six correctly. All questions are asked orally. The second component of the exam will test applicants’ abilities to read, write and speak basic English. Officers will determine an applicant’s ability to speak and understand English throughout the course of your interview by how well you understand and respond to their questions. They will then test their reading skills by asking you to read one of three possible English-language sentences out loud. Finally, the officers will test their ability to write by asking them to write one of three possible sentences correctly in English.

If an applicant does not pass the test during their interview, they will be invited to try again two to three months later. At the second attempt, they will only be retested on any parts of the exam previously failed.

Many applicants inquire about whether they can take the exam in the native language. USCIS will alter the English and civics exam requirements based upon three formulas which consider an applicant’s age as well as their years of residency in the U.S.

Beyond the above exceptions due to age and years of residency, USCIS also offers medical disability exemptions to the English and civics naturalization requirements if applicants are unable to read, speak, write in English, or answer questions about U.S. history and government due to a physical, or developmental disability or impairment. This exception must be requested to USCIS on form N-648. The form must be completed by a licensed doctor or clinical psychologist.

There are many community organizations and social service providers that offer citizenship classes directed towards preparing applicants for the English and civics exam. The USCIS website contains many helpful links and resources for individuals wanting to learn more about the process of becoming a citizen, access to the civics questions and English vocabulary as well as to organizations in their community providing citizenship and civics classes. You may access the USCIS site here: www.uscis.gov

Before applying for citizenship, it is important to speak with a licensed attorney or accredited representative so that they can help you determine your eligibility and any risk factors in your case that need consideration.

Our office has been providing assistance with citizenship and other immigration cases since 1974. We are accredited through the Office of Legal Access Programs and our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. Currently, we are able to provide free assistance to eligible legal permanent residents in the preparation and filing of their N-400 applications through a grant offered through the New Americans Campaign. This grant will last through June of 2022. Please visit our Citizenship and Office Services tabs for more information.

If you are interested in hearing more about your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen, please contact us at (303) 742-4971.

The information and materials provided herein are for educational and informational purposes only. Such information and materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied upon for any such purpose.

ASISTENCIA GRATUITA PARA LA CIUDADANIA

PARA VER SI ES ELEGIBLE, LLAMENOS AL 303-742-4971

ANUNCIO: USCIS anuncia planes para volver a la versión 2008 de la prueba de naturalización cívica

El 1 de diciembre de 2020, USCIS implementó una versión revisada de la prueba de educación cívica para la naturalización (prueba de educación cívica 2020). Debido a cambios recientes en las políticas, algunos solicitantes que deben tomar el examen de educación cívica de 2020 pueden ahora tener la opción de tomar el examen de 2020 o el de 2008. Tenga en cuenta que después del 19 de abril de 2021, USCIS solo ofrecerá el examen de educación cívica de 2008 en la cita de la entrevista inicial, independientemente de la fecha de la presentación de la solicitud. Para obtener mas información, visite: https://www.uscis.gov/es/noticias/comunicados-de-prensa/uscis-vuelve-a-la-version-del-2008-del-examen-de-educacion-civica-para-naturalizacion

LOS BENEFICIOS DE OBTENER LA CIUDADANÍA

La ciudadanía es una piedra angular de nuestra democracia y el obtener este estatus es un hito fundamental en las vidas de los inmigrantes que viven en los EE.UU. Hay muchos beneficios para convertirse en ciudadano incluidos:

1. El Derecho a emigrar a los miembros de su familia

Los ciudadanos pueden patrocinar a un mayor número de miembros de sus familias para que vengan a vivir en los EE.UU. que los residentes permanentes.

2. Ciudadanía derivada para los hijos menores

Cuando un residente permanente obtiene su ciudadanía, sus hijos menores pueden convertirse automáticamente en ciudadanos por la derivación siempre que cumplan con los requisitos.

3. Participación cívica

Esto incluye no solo el derecho de votar en las elecciones nacionales, estatales y locales, sino también el derecho de postularse para un cargo electo y servir en un jurado

4. Más oportunidades de empleo y educación

Muchos empleos del gobierno federal, estatal y local, así como ciertas becas para la educación superior requieren la ciudadanía.

5. Beneficios de viaje

Los ciudadanos pueden viajar a fuera de los EE.UU. por períodos de tiempo ilimitados y pueden reingresar a los EE.UU. libremente mientras que los residentes permanentes no pueden pasar nunca más de 6 meses en el extranjero y tienen que mantener más de la mitad de su tiempo en los EE.UU.

6. Protección contra la deportación

Los ciudadanos, a diferencia de los residentes permanentes no pueden ser deportados de los EE.UU.

LOS REQUISITOS BÁSICOS PARA OBTENER LA RESIDENCIA

Si cumple con los requisitos básicos enumerados a continuación, favor de comunicarse con nuestra oficina para recibir su diagnóstico completo e individualizado

1. Haber cumplido los 18 años;
2. Haber cumplido los 5 años de residencia permanente; *
3. Haber vivido continuamente en los EE.UU. como residente permanente por 5 años; *
4. Haber estado físicamente presente en los EE.UU. por lo menos la mitad de los 5 años; *
5. Haber vivido en Colorado por un mínimo de 3 meses;
6. Pasar un examen que compruebe que Usted puede hablar, escribir y leer el inglés básico; **
7. Pasar un examen sobre la historia y el gobierno de los EE.UU.; ***
8. Ser una persona de buen carácter moral y
9. Comprender y estar de acuerdo con el juramento de fidelidad de los EE.UU.; ***

* Tres años si obtuvo la residencia por medio de matrimonio con un esposo/a ciudadano/a
** A menos que sea elegible para un perdón basada en la edad y los anos de residencia
*** A menos que sea elegible para un perdón basada en discapacidad

CARIDADES CATÓLICAS SERVICIOS DE INMIGRACIÓN EN DENVER ESTÁ EMBARCANDO EN UN PROYECTO DE PROVEER INFORMACIÓN EN LOS CONCEPTOS BÁSICOS Y PROBLEMAS DIFÍCILES EN UNA SOLICITUD PARA LA CIUDADANÍA DURANTE EL AÑO 2021. VUELVAN A MENUDO PARA APRENDER MÁS SOBRE ESTE PROCESO FUNDAMENTAL DE NUESTRA DEMOCRACIA.