April 11, 2020
Nathaniel Mora
The coronavirus has taken the world hostage as people die and contract the illness governments are forced to close borders and delay immigration processes. Where do you stand as a non-citizen in the United States of America? Read a list of details below.
On March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has temporarily suspended routine in-person services through at least June 4 to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform mission critical duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment contact the USCIS Contact Center.
- Asylum Appointments (according to USCIS asylum offices) https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-coronavirus-2019-covid-19
- Asylum offices will be sending out cancellation notices and will automatically reschedule asylum interviews. Applicants will receive new appointment time and location information. You can contact asylum offices by mail, phone, or email. Asylum office locator https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asy
- Employment Extensions
- If you had an appointment scheduled after March 18, 2020, or filled form 765, the extension will be processed using existing biometrics. This process will be updated periodically.
- Naturalization Oath Ceremonies
- All naturalization oath ceremonies are suspended from March 18, 2020, till at least June 4, 2020.
- USCIS will reschedule your oath ceremony automatically. If you do not receive a notice within 90 days, call a USCIS contact center for status updates
- Green Card Holders
- At this moment we do not have exact information for green cardholders. Please, come back for updates. Considering the number of restrictions on movement and travel, more than likely you won’t be able to travel unless it is an emergency. Please, call the USCIS 1-(800) 375-5283 or visit their site for more information https://www.uscis.gov/
- Visa Holders
- At this moment we do not have exact information for visa holders. Please, come back for updates. Considering the number of restrictions on movement and travel, more than likely you won’t be able to travel unless it is an emergency. Please, call the US state department 1-(202) 647-6575 or visit their site for more information https://www.state.gov/
If you are an able-bodied non-citizen and are looking for an opportunity to help the United States and are healthy and free from disease (Covid-19) or other health issues, please call the local and state government to see how you can help. We need all the help we can get. We feel that this might help you through the process of becoming a United States Citizen. This may be your time to shine. In the meantime, look for ways to make money and survive these troubled times. Stock up on food, water, medicine, and essential supplies. Please, be considerate towards others and do not buy more supplies than what you need. Also, try to get in touch with friends and family abroad to see how they are doing and to let them know your current situation. You can use email services, phones, tablets, and other apps and devices to reach your loved ones. Stay safe and 6 feet away from people.