As the current administration threatens to reduce legal immigration options for people living in the US, it’s increasingly important that families have access to information on how to remain together legally. Immigrants have options to become permanent residents and citizens if their family members are themselves citizens or residents. This process is called the Family-Based Immigration Petition. There are no existing resources explaining this complex process that impacts immigrant families nationwide.     

CUP collaborated with UnLocal Inc. and designer Tanya Bhandari to create Rumbo a su tarjeta verde, a Spanish-language guide that breaks down the legal steps to becoming a US permanent resident and citizen based on a family relationship. The colorful booklet explains the process by illustrating the step-by-step path of filing a family-based petition. It also breaks down the “visa bulletin,” a complicated document that changes monthly and indicates when people can apply for residency.

Rumbo a su tarjeta verde launched at a celebration for Immigrant Movement International’s (IMI) community members in Corona, Queens. Unlocal Inc. is currently distributing thousands of copies of the booklets at their monthly legal immigration trainings in Queens and the Bronx, and throughout NYC through their network of partners. 

Resources & Links

Unlocal Inc. is a non-profit immigration legal organization that offers immigration legal representation along with reliable information and education on immigration law for the immigrant community. 

Tanya Bhandari is a designer and illustrator from India looking to do and make good in the world.

Public Access Design is a program of the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP). Public Access Design projects use design to make complex urban issues accessible to the New Yorkers most affected by them.

Funding Support

Support for this project was provided by The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and Council Members Brad Lander, Carlos Menchaca, and Antonio Reynoso. 

Special Thanks

Christine Gaspar, Ingrid Haftel, Jazlyn Patricio-Archer, Nick Johnson, IMI Corona,
Dominique Hernandez, Bonnibel Rosario, Yesenia Lazaro, The Corona, Queens Community

Participants

  • CUP
  • Oscar Nuñez

  • UnLocal Inc.
  • Advocacy Partner
  • Michele Lampach
  • Jackelyn Mariano
  • Tania Mattos

  • Designer
  • Tanya Bhandari