Immigration Legal Services

Canopy’s immigration legal services are an extension of our resettlement services, which aim to create a community where refugees and immigrants are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives. We believe that providing legal assistance to our clients is essential for their integration and empowerment in their new home.

We have a team of qualified and compassionate staff who are accredited by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide immigration legal services to eligible individuals and families. Our staff are not attorneys, but they have received special training and authorization to represent noncitizens before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

We assist eligible individuals with various immigration benefits applications. We ensure that all the required documents are submitted and that the forms are completed correctly. We have filed hundreds of applications with a near-100% success rate. We have helped clients adjust their status, naturalize, and obtain certificates of citizenship for their derivatives.

Below are the immigration legal services we provide:

  • We help eligible individuals apply for permanent residence in the United States, also known as a green card. A green card allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely, as well as to travel in and out of the country. To apply for a green card, you must meet certain criteria, such as being a refugee or an asylee. We will guide you through the process of filing the necessary forms and documents and preparing for the interview with the immigration officer.

  • We help eligible individuals obtain or renew a work permit, also known as work permit or EAD. A work permit allows you to work legally in the United States for a specific period of time, usually one or two years. To apply for a work permit, you must have a valid immigration status, such as being a refugee, an asylee, or an applicant for a green card. We will assist you with completing and submitting the application form and the required evidence.

  • We help eligible individuals become U.S. citizens through the process of naturalization. U.S. citizenship gives you many rights and benefits, such as voting, traveling with a U.S. passport, and sponsoring your relatives for immigration. To apply for naturalization, you must meet certain requirements, such as being a green card holder for at least five years, being able to speak, read, and write English, and passing a test on U.S. history and government. We will help you prepare for the test and the interview.

  • We help eligible individuals obtain a certificate of citizenship, which is a document that proves that you are a U.S. citizen. You may need a certificate of citizenship if you were born outside the United States and became a U.S. citizen automatically through your parents, or if you acquired U.S. citizenship before your 18th birthday through the naturalization of your parents. We will help you gather the necessary documents and evidence, and file the application form with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  • We help eligible individuals apply for the Central American Minors (CAM) program, which is a special program that allows certain minors from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to join their parents who are lawfully present in the United States. The CAM program provides a safe and legal alternative to the dangerous journey that many children take to reunite with their families. We will help you determine if you qualify for the program, and assist you with the application process, which involves submitting biographic information, undergoing a DNA TEST and a security check.

  • We help eligible individuals apply for the Refugee Affidavit of Relationship (P-3) program, which is a program that allows certain refugees who are already in the United States to request that their relatives who are still in their home country or a third country be considered for refugee resettlement in the United States. The P-3 program is based on the principle of family unity and humanitarian protection. We will help you fill out and submit the affidavit of relationship form, which is a sworn statement that confirms your relationship with your relatives, and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and photos.

  • We help eligible individuals apply for the Lautenberg Affidavit of Relationship program, which is a program that allows certain individuals who are members of persecuted religious minorities in the former Soviet Union, Iran, or Eurasia to request that their relatives who are still in those countries be considered for refugee resettlement in the United States. The Lautenberg program is based on the principle of religious freedom and human rights. We will help you fill out and submit the affidavit of relationship form, which is a sworn statement that confirms your relationship with your relatives, and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of religious affiliation, persecution, and identity.

  • We help eligible individuals who need legal assistance with immigration matters that are beyond our scope of service or expertise, such as cases involving criminal history, complex waivers, or appeals. We have a network of legal partners who are experienced and reputable immigration attorneys who can provide quality representation and advocacy for our clients. We will refer you to the most suitable legal partner for your case.

We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for you. We will also inform you of any fees or costs associated with our services, which are based on your income and ability to pay. We do not charge any fees for initial consultations.


We focus our services on the individuals and families who are eligible for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) benefits and services. These include refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Amerasians, victims of human trafficking, Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees, and unaccompanied refugee minors.

We understand that immigration law can be complex and confusing, especially for those who do not speak English or have limited resources. That is why we offer our services in a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate manner. We also provide educational resources and outreach to the immigrant community and the public about immigration rights and responsibilities.

Contact our team

Lemine M’Bareck, Immigration Legal Services Manager lemine.mbareck@canopynwa.org (479) 397-2044

Telma Berardo Melo, Immigration Legal and SOR Specialist telma.berardomelo@canopynwa.org (479) 437-9019

Mailing Address Canopy Northwest Arkansas
Office of Immigration Services
P.O. Box 8699 Fayetteville, AR 72703

If you are interested in our services, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

We are here to help you achieve your immigration goals and dreams. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to live with dignity and respect in the United States.

Organizational Affiliate