Immigration Services Program
2780 Eastex Freeway
Beaumont, Texas 77703
Fax: (409) 832-0145
DIRECTOR
Alma Garza-Cruz: (409) 924-4413
Accredited Representative
CASEWORKERS
Santos Hernandez: (409) 924-4417
Grace Gonzales: (409) 924-4414
ATTORNEY
Gail Barnett
(409) 924-4431
Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas is the only non-profit in Southeast Texas recognized by the BIA and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), to provide legal immigration services to clients. The Immigration Services Director is accredited to represent clients in immigration matters before the USCIS.
Staff Training:
Training is an essential part of our program and is required to obtain and maintain BIA Accreditation. Each year, staff attends national trainings on Immigration Law given by immigration law experts. In addition to attending trainings staff is involved in attending meetings with USCIS and other community based organizations allowing us to keep abreast of current immigration law and changes in the law.
Services Provided:
- Immigration Consultations
- Family Visa Petitions
- Adjustment of Status
- Consular Visa Processing
- Citizenship
- Derivative and Acquired Citizenship
- Waivers for Unlawful Presence
- Affidavits of Support
- Renewal of Expiring Resident Alien Cards
- VAWA Self-Petitions
- “V” Visa and “V” Classification
- Registry
Family Visa Petitions:
A Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States may petition for his/her spouse and unmarried sons and daughters. A United States Citizen may petition for his/her spouse, children, parents, married sons and daughters, and siblings. Waiting times differ depending on what family relationship the petition is based on.
Adjustment of Status:
If a person wishing to immigrate to the U.S. and has an approved family-based petition for which the priority date is current, he/she may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status with the local U.S.C.I.S. Complete consultations are necessary in order to assess an individual’s eligibility for adjustment of status.
Consular Visa Processing:
Persons outside of the United States and certain persons inside of the United States conclude the processing of their visas at the American Consulates abroad. The Immigration Services program is able to assist these persons with the preparation of final documentation necessary for consular visa appointments.
Naturalization:
Catholic Charities accredited staff is available to help persons determine their eligibility for United States citizenship. Basic requirements for U.S. citizenship include:
- Lawful permanent residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years ( 3 if married to aU.S. citizen)
- Residence in the U.S. for at least one-half of the 5 years.
- Good moral character
- Basic knowledge of U.S. history and civics
- Ability to speak , read and write English
Registry:
Anyone who has entered the U.S. before Jan. 1, 1972 can adjust his or her status through Registry. You must show substantial proof of continuous residence in the U.S. since that time.
Confidentiality:
Our staff upholds the confidentiality of all information disclosed by clients. Information is NEVER released to outside parties unless the client has expressly granted his/her written permission.
Client Fees:
Client fees are vital to ensuring financial viability for our program. Private and public funding for immigration counseling programs is scarce. Fees for services are discussed with the client at the onset of a case. Our fee schedule is nominal and all clients are screened for financial eligibility to determine if circumstances warrant reduced or waived fees.
Click the following to complete an online intake form: https://ww5.welcomeclient.com/nggate/intake/general/50081
Click the following link to view, print, or email a copy of Immigration Services program brochure in English: IM Program Brochure
Click the following link to view, print, or email a copy of Immigration Services program brochure in Spanish: IM Program Brochure
