At Omar Welfare Association (OWA), we understand that navigating the U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, especially for low-income individuals and families. Our organization provides comprehensive immigration legal services to ensure that every person, regardless of financial status, has access to fair representation and the opportunity to achieve legal status in the United States.

Our services include assistance with various immigration petitions, visas, and applications. Below is a detailed breakdown of the processes we support:

Family-Based Immigration Petitions (Form I-130)

Who Can Apply?

• U.S. citizens can petition for their spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
• Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) can petition for their spouse and unmarried children.

How OWA Assists:

• Preparing and filing Form I-130 on behalf of applicants.
• Ensuring supporting documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits) are properly submitted.
• Assisting with any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by USCIS.

Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residency) Applications

Eligibility Categories:

• Family Sponsorship (based on an approved I-130 petition).
• Employment-Based Green Cards.
• Humanitarian Programs (Asylum, Refugee Status, VAWA, etc.).

How OWA Assists:

• Preparing and filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) for individuals already in the U.S.
• Assisting with Consular Processing for applicants outside the U.S.
• Guidance on Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) for financial sponsorship.
• Representation in interviews and responding to USCIS inquiries.

U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization (Form N-400)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Green Card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Must meet residency and physical presence requirements.
• Must demonstrate good moral character and basic English proficiency.

How OWA Assists:

• Preparing and filing Form N-400.
• Providing civics test preparation and interview coaching.
• Assisting with fee waivers for low-income applicants.
• Supporting applicants with disabilities by requesting medical exemptions.

Asylum Applications (Form I-589)

Who Qualifies?

• Individuals already present in the U.S. who apply for asylum within one year of arrival.
• Those fearing harm or persecution if they return to their home country.

How OWA Assists:

• Preparing and filing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal).
• Gathering evidence, affidavits, and country condition reports.
• Providing legal representation in asylum interviews and immigration court.
• Connecting applicants with support services, including mental health counseling and housing assistance.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) & Humanitarian Parole

Who Qualifies?

• Individuals from designated countries such as Venezuela, Haiti, and Afghanistan (subject to DHS updates).
• Those who meet eligibility criteria and have been continuously present in the U.S. since the TPS designation.

How OWA Assists:

• Filing Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status).
• Assisting with work permit (EAD) applications.
• Monitoring country designations and renewal deadlines for applicants.

Work Permits & Employment Authorization (Form I-765)

Who Can Apply?

• Asylum seekers, TPS holders, DACA recipients, and certain pending Green Card applicants.

How OWA Assists:

• Filing Form I-765 to secure work authorization.
• Helping with renewal applications to prevent work interruptions.
• Assisting employers and employees in verifying work eligibility.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewals

Eligibility Requirements:

• Entered the U.S. before turning 16.
• Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
• Meets educational or military service requirements.

How OWA Assists:

• Filing DACA renewal applications.
• Assisting with work permit renewals.
• Advocating for policies that protect Dreamers.

Victims of Crime & Domestic Violence (U Visas & VAWA Petitions)

U Visa (Form I-918) for Crime Victims

• Available to individuals who have suffered physical or mental abuse due to a crime and have cooperated with law enforcement.
• Provides a pathway to a Green Card after 3 years.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions

• Available to spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or Green Card holders who have suffered abuse.
• Allows self-petitioning without the abuser’s knowledge.

How OWA Assists:

• Filing U Visa and VAWA self-petitions.
• Connecting applicants with domestic violence support services.
• Assisting with work authorization and pathways to permanent residency.

Removal Defense & Deportation Assistance

How OWA Assists:

• Preparing Cancellation of Removal applications.
• Representing clients in asylum and bond hearings.
• Filing Motions to Reopen cases for individuals ordered deported in absentia.
• Immigration Appeals.

Extension of Stay in the U.S.

Eligibility for Extension of Stay:

• Must be in valid nonimmigrant status.
• Must not have violated visa terms.
• Must file before the expiration date on Form I-94.

How OWA Assists:

• Filling out Form I-539 (for most nonimmigrants) or Form I-129 (for employment-based extensions).
• Ensuring supporting documents (passport, I-94, financial proof, employer/sponsor letter, etc.).
• Stay in the U.S. while the application is pending—traveling outside may result in denial.

At Omar Welfare Association (OWA), we are committed to bridging the gap in healthcare education, particularly for women from low socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring they have access to vital reproductive health services and information.

Our vision is to create a future where every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to achieve optimal reproductive health. Through education, outreach, and collaboration with community organizations, we strive to build a healthier and more informed society.

Our Focus Areas in Women’s Reproductive Health

Nutrition & Reproductive Health

Proper nutrition plays a critical role in fertility, pregnancy, and overall well-being. Women who lack access to nutrient-rich diets are more vulnerable to hormonal imbalances, pregnancy complications, and long-term reproductive health issues.

How OWA Helps:
✔ Providing educational workshops on the importance of balanced nutrition for reproductive health.
✔ Offering dietary counseling for pregnant women and those trying to conceive.

Tobacco Use & Women’s Health

Tobacco consumption, whether through smoking or smokeless products, has severe effects on women’s reproductive health. It increases the risk of infertility, pregnancy complications, and birth defects.

How OWA Helps:
✔ Conducting awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of tobacco on fertility and pregnancy.
✔ Providing counseling and support programs to help women quit smoking and adopt healthier lifestyles.
✔ Partnering with healthcare providers to offer cessation programs and medical assistance for those struggling with tobacco addiction.

 Family Planning & Contraception

Every woman deserves the right to make informed choices about her reproductive health. Family planning allows women to control their reproductive futures, prevent unintended pregnancies, and ensure safer maternal health.

How OWA Helps:
✔ Offering free and low-cost contraceptive options, including oral contraceptives, IUDs, and injectable birth control.
✔ Educating women on natural family planning methods and reproductive choices.
✔ Connecting women with reproductive health specialists for personalized family planning consultations.

Hormonal Balance & Well-Being

Hormonal imbalances can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other health complications. Understanding and managing hormonal health is crucial for women’s reproductive and overall well-being.

How OWA Helps:
✔ Providing educational resources on how lifestyle, diet, and stress affect hormonal balance.
✔ Referring women to healthcare specialists for hormonal therapy and treatment options.

Community Outreach & Healthcare Support

OWA ensures that reproductive health education and services reach the women who need them the most. We conduct:

Community Health Workshops – Interactive sessions to educate women on fertility, pregnancy care, and contraceptive options.

Healthcare Referrals – Connecting women with gynecologists, reproductive specialists, and mental health counselors.

Digital Awareness Campaigns – Using social media and online platforms to spread knowledge about women’s reproductive health.

At Omar Welfare Association (OWA), we understand the urgency of finding safe and secure housing for individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, or financial hardship. Our Shelter Referral Services connect those in need with emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and long-term housing assistance.

We work closely with trusted community organizations and housing programs to ensure that women, children, and families have a safe place to stay and access to essential support services.

Omar Welfare Association (OWA) is dedicated to supporting families facing financial hardships by connecting them with rental assistance programs. We collaborate with community organizations and housing agencies to help families secure temporary rental aid, prevent eviction, and maintain stable housing.

Our team assists with application guidance, eligibility assessments, and resource referrals to ensure families receive the help they need to stay in their homes.

At Omar Welfare Association (OWA), we are committed to promoting justice and equal access to legal resources for individuals and families in need. Through our Free Legal Clinics, we provide free legal consultations in various community centers by partnering with trusted organizations, law firms, and volunteer attorneys.

Our goal is to empower communities by offering legal guidance on critical issues, ensuring that individuals—especially those from underserved backgrounds—can navigate legal challenges effectively.

Community-Based Consultations – Our legal clinics are hosted at local community centers, ensuring accessibility for those who need assistance.

Partnerships with Legal Experts – We collaborate with law firms, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer attorneys to provide professional legal guidance.

Confidential & Supportive Environment – All consultations are private and confidential, ensuring individuals receive support without fear or judgment.

Referrals for Further Legal Assistance – If a case requires extended legal representation, we connect individuals with legal aid organizations for continued support.