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Asuntos Legales |
Legal Issues |
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What kind of identification
card is necessary Residents of the United States carry a form of identification that is often required in employment, financial and other situations. U.S. citizens can show a driver’s license, Social Security card or other government-issued forms of identification. A non-U.S. citizen living in the country can apply for a Permanent Resident Card, known as a Green Card. It is also called INS Form I-551. Where do I renew a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)? • INS National Customer
Service Center, 1-800-375-5283 How do I renew a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)? At the INS National Customer Service Center, bring with you the following: • Completed Form
I-90. Forms are available at www.ins.usdoj.gov or by • Check or money order of $110. • The expiring/expired Permanent Resident card (Green Card). • Photocopies of front and back of the card. • Personal identification (valid identification includes driver’s license, state issued identification card or passport). • Renewal applicants with name change need to bring documentation of change (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order). • Renewal applicants who received the green card before their 14th birthday and are now over the age of 14 will need to have their fingerprints taken. They must bring a $25 check or $25 money order for the fingerprinting fee. Where is the closest Mexican Embassy? The Mexican Embassy is in Washington D.C. The nearest Consulado
General de Mexico is in Where can a person go for help with immigration issues? LaCasa of Goshen provides a variety of immigration services. LaCasa assists people with citizenship applications, family-based petitions, work authorization, immigration photos, applications for temporary protective status and other issues related to immigration. • LaCasa of Goshen,
(574) 533-4450 • Indiana Legal Services Fort Wayne, (260) 424-9155 or 1-888-442-8600 • Indiana Legal Services South Bend, (574) 234-8121 or 1-800-288-8121 What are the basic requirements to become a citizen of the United States? • A person must enter legally into the United States. • A person must be at least 18 years old. • A person must have been a legal resident of the United States for at least five years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years. • A person must have been physically in the United States for at least 30 months of his five-year residency. • A person must be able to read, write and speak basic English. • A person must have lived in Indiana for at least three months. • A person must have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.• A person must be of good moral character. • A person cannot
have been a member of the Communist Party for the last 10 years. Can I and how do I register
to vote? • Noble County Clerk’s
Office, (260) 636-2736 ¿Cuáles son algunas leyes de que tal vez no me haya dado cuenta? Alcohol: • Manejar un vehículo cuando está borracho es un crimen. La norma legal de conducir bajo la influencia del alcohol es .08 volumen de alcohol de la sangre. Si una persona está detenido manejando un vehículo con un volumen de alcohol de la sangre de .08 o más, él puede ser acusado con manejar cuando está borracho. • Cuando una persona
está declarado culpable de conducir bajo la influencia del
alcohol resultando en heridas serias o en muerte, está • Si una persona está arrestado de conducir bajo de la influencia del alcohol, él debe cooperar con la policia. También él debe contratar un abogado pronto. • La intoxicación
pública es un delito menor. Una persona no puede beber el
alcohol o estar en un estado de embriaguez en público. La
intoxicación pública está punible con 180 días
en la jaula y una pena de $1000. • Una persona quien no tiene 18 años no puede estar en un lugar público después de once en la noche durante de la semana o después de la una en la mañana en los fines de las semanas. • Hay dos categorías de crimenes en Indiana, delitos menores y delitos mayores. Un delito menor es una falta menor seria como exceso de velocidad. Un delito mayor es una falta más seria que normalmente resulta en tiempo en la prisión. • La Constitución de los Estados Unidos y la Constitución de Indiana le da a una persona el derecho de rehusar hacer una declaración con excepción de su nombre y su dirección de casa cuando está arrestado. Una persona también tiene el derecho tener un abogado consigo durante interrogatorio. Si una persona no puede pagar por un abogado, él debe solicitar que la sala de justicia nombre un abogado para él. Cualquier declaración, sea escrito o oral, puede ser y va a ser usada en la sala de justicia. • Si una persona está acusado, sospechado, o declarado culpable de una crimen, él debe cooperar con la policia. Una persona debe recordar hablar con un abogado, y recordar que él tiene el derecho de guardar silencio. • Cuando un agente de la policia pida una persona identificarse, la person está requerido proveer el agente con identificación. Si una persona rehusa identificarse, él puede ir a la jaula para 60 días y puede pagar una pena de $500. Matrimonio y Divorcio: • Las autoridades pueden involucrarse para protege los esposos y los niños de abuso físico, mental, o emocional. Si una persona se ha abusado, él o ella debe buscar ayuda de un abogado, de la división de bienestar, del centro de abuso de esposos, y del procurador en el área. La Ley del Consumidor: • Una persona nunca debe dejar espacios en blancos en un contrato. • Una persona siempre debe obtener una copia de cualquier contrato que él firme. ¿Qué
debe hacer una persona si él sospecha Alguien quien sospecha que un niño está siendo maltratado tiene que llamar al Servicio de Protección de Niños o a una agencia de ejecución de la ley. Una persona puede llamar al Servicio de Protección de Niños 24 horas al día, 365 días al año. • Linea de Emergencia
de Abuso de Niños, ¿Cómo aplico para una tarjeta de Seguridad Social? La aplicación
es gratis y disponible en la sita de www.ssa.gov, busque la aplicación
para la tajeta de Lleve o manda la SS-5 a la oficina más cercana deSeguridad Social. Asegurase de llevar o mandar los originales o copias certificadas de los documentos pedidos con la forma. ¿Dónde está la oficina de Seguridad Social más cercana? • Auburn Indiana
Social Security Office ¿Qué es
un ITIN (Número de Identificación de Un ITIN está emitido a los no-ciudadanos quienes necesitan reportar el ingreso para propósitos de impuestos pero quienes no están elegibles para las números de Seguro Social. Para solicitar un ITIN, Ud. necesita llamar al IRS y pedir una Forma W-7 (La Aplicación para el Número de Identificación del Contribuyente del IRS). • IRS, ITIN Unit Ya sea que Ud. tenga o no tenga documentos, Ud. tiene el derecho: • A no ser amanazado, interrogado, detenido ni obligado a presentar sus documentos por la única razón de tener acento o aspecto de extranjero o por no hablar inglés. • A negar al INS
o a la policia la entrada a su hogar a menos que ellos • A no contestar preguntas cómo dónde nacio, cómo entró a los Estados Unidos, a si Ud. tiene documentos. El INS tiene que probar estos hechos antes de que Ud. pueda ser deportado. Ud. perjuicia su propio caso si contesta estas preguntas; si lleva documentos de su propio país; o si trata de huir. Si Ud. es detenido o arrestado por el INS o por la policia Ud. tiene derecho: • A no decir dónde nació, como entró a los Estados Unidos o si tiene o no documentos. • A no decir más que su nombre verdadero (para que un abogado, pariente o amigo pueda encontrarlo). • A mantenerse en silencio y no contestar ninguna prequnta. • A recebir una lista de agencias que proveen servicios de ayuda legal gratis; y • A usar el teléfono para poder comunicarse con un abogado (o un miembro familar). • INS podría intentar convencerlo a firmar para “salida voluntaria” de nuevo a su país. Usted no debe firmar para la salida voluntaria y debe exigir hablar con un abogado si: • Si Ud. teme regresar a su país por razones de persecución por su raza, religión o político; o • Si Ud. ha vivido en los Estados Unidos por 10 años o más; • Si su esposa legar, padre/madre o hijo/a mayor de 21 años es ciudadano americano o residente permanente legal y ha solicitado una petición de familia para Ud. y la petición ha sido aprobada y tiene una fecha de visa cerca. En su corte, Ud. tiene dereho: • A traer un abogado a cada audiencia en la Corte. • A tener otra audiencia acerca de su deportación. • A pedir al juez concedarle doz meses en los Estados Unidos antes de salir “voluntariamente,” su Ud. puede pagar su pasaje a su país. • A pedir al juez cualquier otra forma de salvación de deportación por la cual calificar aplicar, bajo la ley. • Si hay basis en
la ley, a apelar la decisión del juez ante una corte más
alta por decir en la corte que no la acepta, y por llamar inmediatamente
• A permanecer e los Estados Unidos hasta que su apelación sea decidida, lo cual puede tomar un año o más. Source: Notre Dame Legal Aid Clinic, (574) 631-7795 Coalition For Immigrant
and Refugee Protection
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What kind of identification
card is necessary Residents of the United States carry a form of identification that is often required in employment, financial and other situations. U.S. citizens can show a driver’s license, Social Security card or other government-issued forms of identification. A non-U.S. citizen living in the country can apply for a Permanent Resident Card, known as a Green Card. It is also called INS Form I-551. Where do I renew a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)? • INS National Customer
Service Center, 1-800-375-5283 How do I renew a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)? At the INS National Customer Service Center, bring with you the following: • Completed Form I-90. Forms are available at www.ins.usdoj.gov or by calling 1-800-870-3676. • Check or money order of $110. • The expiring/expired Permanent Resident card (Green Card). • Photocopies of front and back of the card. • Personal identification (valid identification includes driver’s license, state issued identification card or passport). • Renewal applicants with name change need to bring documentation of change (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order). • Renewal applicants who received the green card before their 14th birthday and are now over the age of 14 will need to have their fingerprints taken. They must bring a $25 check or $25 money order for the fingerprinting fee. Where is the closest Mexican Embassy? The Mexican Embassy is in Washington D.C. The nearest Consulado
General de Mexico is in Where can a person go for help with immigration issues? LaCasa of Goshen provides a variety of immigration services. LaCasa assists people with citizenship applications, family-based petitions, work authorization, immigration photos, applications for temporary protective status and other issues related to immigration. • LaCasa of Goshen,
(574) 533-4450 • Indiana Legal Services Fort Wayne, (260) 424-9155 or 1-888-442-8600 • Indiana Legal Services South Bend, (574) 234-8121 or 1-800-288-8121 What are the basic requirements to become a citizen of the United States? • A person must enter legally into the United States. • A person must be at least 18 years old. • A person must have been a legal resident of the United States for at least five years, or have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years. • A person must have been physically in the United States for at least 30 months of his five-year residency. • A person must be able to read, write and speak basic English. • A person must have lived in Indiana for at least three months. • A person must have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.• A person must be of good moral character. • A person cannot
have been a member of the Communist Party for the last 10 years. Can I and how do I register to vote? U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older may register to vote in local, state and national elections. • Noble County Clerk’s
Office, (260) 636-2736 What are some common laws? Alcohol: • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated is a crime. The legal standard for drunken driving is .08 blood alcohol content. If a person is caught operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 or above, he/she can be charged with driving while intoxicated. • When a person is convicted of drunken driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death, it is considered a felony offense, and the penalty may include prison time. • If a person is arrested for drunken driving he should fully cooperate with the police. He/she should also retain an attorney as soon as possible. • Public intoxication is a misdemeanor. A person may not consume alcohol or be intoxicated in public. Public intoxication is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $1000. The Criminal Justice
System: • There are two
categories of crimes in Indiana, misdemeanors and felonies. • The United States Constitution and the Indiana Constitution give a person the right to refuse to make any statement except for his name and address after he has been arrested. A person also has the right to have an attorney with him during questioning. If a person cannot afford an attorney, he/she should request that the court appoint an attorney for him. Any statement, whether written or oral, can and will be used in court. • If a person is accused, suspected of, or charged with a crime, he/she should cooperate with the police. A person should remember to talk with an attorney, and remember that he/she has the right to remain silent. • When a police officer asks a person to identify himself, the person is required to provide the officer with identification. If a person refuses to identify himself, he/she can spend up to 60 days in jail and be fined $500.Marriage and Divorce: • Each divorced parent is responsible for partially supporting dependent children after a divorce. The amount of child support each parent will pay is determined by the court. The more money the parties make, the larger the child support. • Authorities can
and will get involved to protect spouses and/or children from physical,
mental, or emotional abuse. If a person has been abused, he or she
should seek help from an attorney, welfare department, spouse abuse
Consumer Law: • A person should never leave blank spaces in a contract. • A person should always obtain a copy of any contract he/she signs. What should a person
do if he/she suspects Anyone who suspects that a child may be abused or neglected must make a report to the local Child Protection Service or law enforcement agency. A person can call the Child Protection Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. • Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-800-5556 How do I apply for a Social Security card? The application is free and available online at www.ssa.gov, look for “Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5).” Complete the form by
following its instructions. Where is the closest Social Security office? • Auburn
Indiana Social Security Office Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. What is an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)? An ITIN is issued to noncitizens who need to report income for tax purposes but who are not eligible for Social Security numbers. To apply for an ITIN, you need to contact the IRS and ask for Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). • IRS, ITIN Unit Whether you have documents
or not, you have the right: • To deny the INS or the police entry to your home unless they present a warrant signed by a judge. • To refuse to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the United States, and whether you have documents. The INS must prove these facts to deport you. You will harm your case if you answer these questions, carry documents from your country, or try to run away.If you are detained or arrested by the INS or the police, you have the right: • Not to tell where you were born, how you entered the United States or whether or not you have documents. • To say nothing more than your correct name (so that an attorney, relative, or friend can find you in detention). • To remain silent and not answer any questions. • To receive a list of agencies that provide free legal services. • To use a phone to contact an attorney (or a family member). • INS may try to convince you to sign for “voluntary departure” back to your country.You should not sign for voluntary departure and demand to speak to an attorney if: • You are afraid to return to your country because you will be persecuted because of your race, religion or politics; or • You have lived in the United States for 10 years or more; and • Your legal spouse, parent or child 21 or older is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and has filed a family petition for you and the petition was approved and your visa date is near.In court you have the right: • To bring a lawyer to each court hearing. • To have another hearing about your deportation. • To ask the judge to grant you two months in the United States before voluntary departure if you can pay your way back to your country. • To ask the judge for other forms of relief from deportation for which you may qualify under the law. • If there is a basis in the law, to appeal the judge’s decision to a higher court by saying that you do not accept it, and immediately calling a lawyer in order to file your notice of appeal on time. • To remain in the
United States until your appeal is decided, which can take a year
or more. Coalition For Immigrant
and Refugee Protection
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