Immigration and Citizenship Community News June 2024
June 5, 2024
Don’t forget to fill out our Community Needs Survey
The Office of Immigrants and Citizenship Support (OICS) is considering expanding citizenship and naturalization services for the UT Dallas community. Please help us in understanding the need for these services within our community by filling out the following survey if you:
-Are currently a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR)/ green card holder, or,
-Are a naturalized U.S. citizen (a person born outside the U.S. that acquired U.S. citizenship after birth), and/or
-If you have any family members or friends who are LPR/green card holders, (regardless of what your current immigration status is)
The survey is anonymous and asks only general information. OICS will use the information to determine service offerings, and to apply for grant funding for naturalization services. Completing the survey should take approximately 3 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please reach out to oics@utdallas.edu.
Survey Link: https://utdallas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5Ar6TkDKIaGrGpE
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals
You may show your expired green card and your receipt notice as evidence of continued status or valid passport that contains a valid USCIS ADIT Stamp or valid USCIS Form I-94 with ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and printed photo of the LPR (aka USCIS Mail Delivery Process) to return back into the United States. NOTE: We have no authority to claim that this is sufficient evidence to gain entry to other countries if/when there is a departure from the USA. For more information, you can view the notice on the CPB website.
Renew Your DACA as Early as Possible
USCIS recommends you submit your DACA renewal request 150 to 120 days (four to five months) before the expiration date on your current DACA approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) and employment authorization document (EAD). Filing your renewal request during this timeframe reduces the risk that your current DACA and employment authorization will expire before USCIS makes a decision on your renewal request. Filing earlier than 150 days before your current DACA expiration will not result in a faster decision. File your renewal request online
Don’t Forget to Update Your Address
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen (unless in A or G status) must report address changes within 10 days or less online at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Change of Address or by mail using Form AR-11
found at the following link: USCIS – FORMS.
Mental Health Resources
It is important to maintain your mental health just as much as your physical health. The UT Dallas Counseling Center offers a range of services tailored to meet your mental health needs, including consultations, individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, and support groups such as the International Support Circle. Additionally, TimelyCare provides free mental health support to UT Dallas students, accessible through their app.
Here are some essential resources available to you:
In addition to these services, there are national resources you can turn to for immediate support:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7
- 211 Texas Information and Referral Network
- Crisis Text Line: Text 741741 for free, confidential support
- Mental Health America: Offers screening tools to assess your mental health
Tornado Season, Be Prepared
Review the Tornadoes and Watch vs. Warning information on the UT Dallas Emergency Preparedness Information webpage, under the “Know Your Hazards” section.
Beware of Scams
Scams are on the rise. Protect yourself from immigration scams. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.
OICS is here for you
You can reach out via email to OICS@utdallas.edu or through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.