If you are trying get a green card, or you already have one and want to apply for citizenship, your are going to need a lot of immigration help. There are lots of options available for you out there and I am going to try and cover a few things that might give you a little assistance.

The paperwork and time involved in applying for a green card or citizenship for yourself, a friend or loved one can sometimes be insurmountable. The system is so complicated and full of pitfalls it could take years of trying to do it on your own, and still fail in the end. Because of this, I am suggesting the first thing you need to do is approach an immigration attorney. This is especially true if you have a situation where you could possibly be deported, or your entry into the country could be denied. They are specialists in this field and work with the immigration department in some form or another on almost a daily basis. They know the exact forms that must to be filled out in each particular situation, and where they should be sent. Above all, they know the legal specifics and best way to work the system. They will be on your side, doing all they can to protect your rights and making certain everything that can possibly be done is being done.

In order to help your attorney better assess your case, and offer the best immigration help possible, there are a few things you need to take along when you have your first consultation visit:

1 - Your green card - If you are applying for citizenship, your attorney will need to see your green card and make copies of it.
2 - Two photos - You can go to any photo shop and ask for passport photos. These will suffice.
3 - Police reports - The immigration office is going to want any relevant information concerning any crimes committed. Do not lie. If they find out it will greatly lessen your chances of a good outcome.
4 - Marriage and Divorce Papers - If you are currently married you will need a copy of your birth certificate. If you have been married and have gotten a divorce or your spouse died, you will need proof.
5 - Passport - If you have a passport, be sure to take it with you. Copies will need to be made.

After studying your case your attorney will probably need additional paperwork from you. These are just a few things to help get you started.

If your finances do not allow for an attorney right from the beginning, there are a few agencies that advertise free immigration help. Many of these are religious organizations that have members who have legal knowledge, or perhaps have gone through the immigration process themselves. Some are human rights organizations that have attorneys on staff to make sure your rights are protected during the process and will help with all of the immigration forms.

Still others are organizations formed by the country the alien is from who want to give immigration help to anyone from their home country that needs it. You should have no problem finding some of these agencies and organizations in almost every large city. Just ask some of the local green card holders that were in the same position as you at some point in their past, and they will probably be glad to assist you in any way they can.

I hope this article has at least given you a few ideas of things you can do to get immigration help. Remember to be patient. It is a long process but with a little fortitude and planning you will one day have your green card or your citizenship papers.