Immigration (Youth & Young Adult Issues Edition)

Need this information in another language? Visit Google Translate. Be aware that legal terms may not translate accurately. Do not rely on the translation for legal information or advice. Always seek the advice of an attorney before taking legal action. You can call MLSA at 1-800-666-6899 and ask for help from an interpreter to get more information on your legal issue.

¿Necesita esta información en otro idioma? Visite Google Translate. Tenga en cuenta que las traducciones de términos legales pueden no ser correctos. No confíe solo en estas traducciones para información o asesoría legal. Siempre busque el consejo de un abogado antes de tomar acción legal. Usted puede llamar a Servicios Legales de Montana (MLSA) al 1-800-666-6899 y pedir la ayuda de un intérprete para obtener más información sobre su problema legal.

• There are many ways people come to live and work in the United States. Based on your situation, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services office may give you documents showing your immigration status.
• There are different rules and timelines given your immigration status. The most common types of documents are a certificate of citizenship, a green card, a work permit, a visa, or a stamp on your passport.
• Each type of permission has different rules. If you do not have or do not know your immigration status, you should speak with a lawyer to see what options you have.
• More information is available at Immi.org. 

• Fear, anxiety, and constant stigmatization;
• Language and cultural barriers;
• Poverty, segregation, and unauthorized immigration status;
• Social and emotional learning differences;
• Constant relocation;
• Lack of support systems (family, friends, community);
• Trouble gaining access to an equitable education.

Everyone, no matter their immigration status, has an equal right to attend public school.

Know that you are not alone in experiencing any of these complications. United We Dream is an organization that may be able to provide support. Go to unitedwedream.org for more information and resources in both English and Spanish.

DACA stand for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The purpose of DACA is to protect eligible immigrants from deportation who came to the United States when they were children. DACA gives young undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation and 2) a work permit. If you receive DACA, it lasts for two years, subject to renewal.

If you are under the age of 21 and need the protection of a juvenile court because you have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, you may be eligible for SIJ. If SIJ classification is granted, you may qualify for lawful permanent residency (getting a Green Card). More information on SIJ status can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Under the federal Violence Against Women Act, anyone (of any gender) may be eligible for a Green Card if they are a victim of battery or extreme cruelty by a close relative who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Contact an attorney if someone is abusing you or find more information on the U.S. Citizenzhip and Immigration Services website.

Asylum is a form of protection the U.S. government offers that allows a person to live and work legally in the U.S. and to apply for lawful permanent residence after one year. You may apply for asylum in the United States if you have been “persecuted” (very seriously harmed or threatened) in your home country because of your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. More information on seeking asylum can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Legal Help

• Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free civil, non-criminal legal help to eligible clients. Apply for free legal help by calling 1-800-666-6899 or applying online.
• The State Bar Lawyer Referral Service may provide you with contact information for attorneys who provide the type of assistance you are seeking, for a fee. You can contact the State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (406) 449-6577 or montanabar.org. 

Legal Forms

• Immigration forms can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Non-Legal Resources

• The Youth Homelessness Development Project (YHDP) is designed to support Montana service providers in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. More information is avaliable at the YHDP website.
• County resource guides provide an up-to-date list of avaliable help centers.