How California Wildfire Victims Can Protect Their Immigration Cases
The devastating wildfires in California have displaced countless families and disrupted lives across the region. At Rozas, we understand how overwhelming this time can be, especially for immigrants navigating legal processes. This blog provides key steps to protect your immigration case and a list of trusted resources to support you during recovery.
Protecting Your Immigration Case Amid Displacement
If you’ve had to relocate due to wildfires, ensuring your immigration case stays on track is critical. Here’s what you need to know about notifying USCIS, the immigration court, and ICE of your address change.
Here’s why it matters and how to do it:
Updating USCIS About Your Address Change
If you have a pending or approved application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must notify them of any address change within 10 days of moving.
How to Update USCIS:
- Online: Use the USCIS Change of Address Tool for immediate updates.
- By Mail: Submit Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) to USCIS.
Why This Is Important:
USCIS sends critical notices—such as biometrics appointments, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and decision letters—to the address they have on file. Failure to update this information could delay or jeopardize your case.
Updating ICE About Your Address Change
If you are required to check in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or are under supervision, notifying ICE of your new address is crucial.
ICE requires noncitizens to update their address within 15 days of moving.
How to Update ICE:
- Online: Use the ICE Change of Address Tool for quick updates.
- By Phone: Call the ICE Services Line at 1 (833) 383-1465 during business hours.
Why This Is Important:
Failing to notify ICE could result in missed communications and complications with your case, including penalties for noncompliance.
Updating the Immigration Court (EOIR) About Your Address Change
If you have a pending case with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), you must inform the court of your address change to ensure you receive all hearing notices.
You must file a Change of Address Form (EOIR-33/IC) with the immigration court within five working days of your move.
How to Update the Court:
- Electronically: Submit your form via the EOIR Respondent Access portal.
- By Mail: Download and mail a completed Form EOIR-33 to the court handling your case.
- In Person: Submit the form directly to your local immigration court.
Why This Is Important:
Failing to update your address with the court can lead to serious consequences, including removal orders issued in your absence if you miss a hearing.
Why Having an Immigration Lawyer Matters
Navigating address changes with multiple agencies can be complicated and time-consuming. If you are already a Rozas client, we handle all these filings on your behalf. Ensuring compliance and accuracy is one of the biggest advantages of having us represent you.
If you are not currently represented by an immigration lawyer, you are responsible for notifying each agency (USCIS, ICE, and EOIR) separately. This can be overwhelming, but failing to update your address on time could result in delays, penalties, or even adverse outcomes in your case.
Don’t Have an Immigration Lawyer?
At Rozas, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case and show you how we can handle all the filings, updates, and representation needed to protect your immigration status.
- Call us now at 225-341-6945.
- Complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Let us take the stress out of this process so you can focus on rebuilding your life after the wildfires.
Wildfire Impact on Court Operations
Most courthouses in California have reopened after the wildfires. While there may still be delays in specific areas, most cases are proceeding as scheduled.
If any changes or closures occur that could affect your case, our team will contact you directly to ensure you stay informed.
Resources for Wildfire Victims
Recovering from a disaster can be daunting. Below is a list of trusted resources to help you and your loved ones during this challenging time:
Financial Assistance
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: Offers financial relief for individuals affected by wildfires. Learn more or apply at FEMA.gov.
- California Fire Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Provides grants to individuals and families impacted by wildfires. Visit their website for more information.
Housing Assistance
- Airbnb.org: Offers free temporary housing for those displaced by wildfires, in partnership with 211 LA. Check availability at Airbnb.org.
- Habitat for Humanity LA Disaster Relief: Helps families rebuild homes destroyed by wildfires. Apply at Habitat LA.
Food and Basic Needs
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Distributes food to those impacted by the fires throughout Los Angeles County. Find locations at their website.
- World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to communities affected by disasters, including wildfires. Stay updated at World Central Kitchen.
Rozas: Your Legal Support During Wildfire Recovery
At Rozas, our focus is ensuring that your immigration case stays on track during this challenging time. From updating your USCIS address to keeping you informed about court schedules, we’re here to help you navigate these disruptions.
- Call us at 225-341-6945 for a free consultation.
- Complete our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Resources
California Fire Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund
Habitat for Humanity LA Disaster Relief
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
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