Life Legalization Supplement to Form I-485

LIFE Legalization Supplement to Form I-485 Instructions

U.S. Department of Justice
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Form I-485 Supplement D (4/26/01)

What is the purpose of Form I-485?

In addition to the other purposes of the form listed in the instructions, Form I-485 may be used by certain class action participants applying for adjustment of status pursuant to section 1104 of the LIFE Act and section 1503 of the LIFE Act Amendments (LIFE Legalization), and title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, sections 245a.10-245a.22.

Who may file this application?

You may file this application, either from within or from outside the United States, if you:

• Before October 1, 2000, filed with the Attorney General a written claim for class membership in one of the following three class action lawsuits: Catholic Social Services, Inc., v. Meese; League of United Latin American Citizens v. INS; or Zambrano v. INS;

• Entered the United States before January 1, 1982, and resided continuously in the United States in an unlawful status since that date through May 4, 1988;

• Were continuously physically present in the United States from November 6, 1986, through May 4, 1988;

• Are admissible to the United States; and

• Have not been convicted of a felony or of three or more misdemeanors in the United States.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When completing the application for adjustment under LIFE Legalization, you MUST indicate, in Part 2, the classification you are seeking. Check Block H and write "LIFE Legalization".

What is meant by "admissible to the United States"?

Section 212(a)(5) of the INA and Section 212(a)(7)(A) of the INA do not apply to LIFE Legalization applicants. If you are inadmissible under Section 212(a)(4), you may still be admissible under the Special Rule. If you are inadmissible under Section 212(a)(9)(A) or 212(a)(9)(C), the LIFE Act allows you to apply for a waiver from within the United States.

What evidence should be submitted with the adjustment application?

Each Form I-485 must be accompanied by:

• Proof of identity, e.g., passport or birth certificate;

• A completed Form G-325A, Biographic Information Sheet, if you are between 14 and 79 years of age;

• A completed Form I-693, Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status;

• Two photographs as described in the instructions that accompany the Form I-485;

• Evidence that, prior to October 1, 2000, you filed with the Attorney General a written claim for class membership in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit;

• Evidence that you entered the United States before January 1, 1982, and resided continuously in the United States in an unlawful status since that date through May 4, 1988; and

• Evidence that you were continuously physically present in the United States from November 6, 1986, through May 4, 1988.

Evidence - General. You must attach evidence that establishes your eligibility for adjustment under the provisions of LIFE Legalization.

What evidence should be submitted to establish class membership application in the CSS, LULAC, or Zambrano lawsuit?

Examples of evidence that may establish that you applied for class membership before October 1, 2000 include employment authorization documents, INS correspondence, questionnaires, or other relevant documents.

What evidence should be submitted to establish continuous unlawful residence since before January 1, 1982, through May 4, 1988?

Examples include Form I-94, Form I-20A-B, Form IAP-66, passport, nonimmigrant visa, and evidence of continuous residence such as employment records, Forms W-2, tax records, letters from employers, utility bills, school records, medical records, rental receipts, checks, deeds, contracts, or insurance policies.

What evidence should be submitted to establish continuous physical presence from November 6, 1986, through May 4, 1988?

Examples of evidence include documentation issued by governmental or nongovernmental authorities that bears your name, date, and authenticating signature, seal, or other instrument.

When can the application be filed?

The application period begins on June 1, 2001, and ends on May 31, 2002. Applications must be postmarked on or before May 31, 2002.

What is the application fee?

The fee for filing a Form I-485 for adjustment of status under LIFE Legalization is $330. If you are between the ages of 14 and 75, there is a $25 fingerprinting fee in addition to the application fee.

Where should the application be filed?

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Post Office Box 7219, Chicago, IL 60680-7219.

Interview. If necessary, interviews will take place at selected INS offices throughout the United States. You must be able to demonstrate a minimal understanding of ordinary English and a knowledge of the history and government of the United States.

Can an applicant travel outside of the United States while the adjustment application is pending? If you wish to travel outside the United States while your LIFE Legalization application is pending, you should apply for advance parole on Form I-131.

Can an applicant receive employment authorization while the adjustment application is pending? If you are filing from within the United States and would like work authorization, you may request authorization to work while your application is pending by filing Form I-765.

Penalties. If you knowingly falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document, your benefit may be denied and you may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Privacy Act Notice / Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. Information is collected to determine eligibility for the immigration benefit requested.