NACARA

At Global Law Attorneys, we assist eligible immigrants in applying for benefits under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). This law provides special immigration relief to certain nationals of Central American countries and former Soviet bloc nations, helping them secure lawful permanent residence in the United States.

What is NACARA?
NACARA, enacted in 1997, was designed to protect individuals fleeing conflict, instability, or persecution. It allows qualifying immigrants to apply for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal and eventually obtain a green card.

Who Qualifies for NACARA?
You may be eligible if you are:

• A national of Nicaragua or Cuba who has been continuously present in the U.S. since December 1, 1995.

• A national of El Salvador or Guatemala who entered the U.S. on or before September 19, 1990, and registered for ABC benefits (American Baptist Churches settlement).

• Certain nationals of former Soviet bloc countries (including Armenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, East Germany, or Yugoslavia) who applied for asylum by specific deadlines.

• Qualified family members (spouses, children, or unmarried sons and daughters) of eligible individuals.

Benefits of NACARA:

• Eligibility for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation.

• Opportunity to adjust to lawful permanent resident (green card holder) status.

• Protection from deportation.

• Ability to work legally in the United States.

• Pathway to eventual U.S. citizenship.

Application Process:

1. File the appropriate application for suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.

2. Provide proof of nationality, continuous presence, and registration under qualifying programs.

3. Attend immigration court hearings or USCIS interviews as required.

4. Receive lawful permanent resident status if approved.

Why NACARA Is Important:
Unlike many other immigration relief programs, NACARA offers a unique pathway to residency based on humanitarian and historical circumstances. However, eligibility rules are very specific and time-sensitive, so it is crucial to have skilled legal guidance.

How Global Law Attorneys Can Help:

• Determine your eligibility under NACARA.

• Collect and prepare strong evidence of nationality, continuous residence, and program registration.

• Represent you in immigration court or USCIS proceedings.

• Assist qualifying family members in applying for benefits.

• Explore additional immigration options if NACARA does not apply.

Our Commitment:
At Global Law Attorneys, we honor the struggles of immigrants who fled instability and conflict by helping them secure lawful status through NACARA. We provide experienced legal representation, personalized support, and a deep commitment to justice for every client.

For many, NACARA is not just a law—it’s a lifeline.