Virus changes immig picture Many functions shut down

With New York City and much of the country on standstill, here’s what you need to know about immigration law in the time of the coronavirus:

USCIS:

Field offices are closed except for emergencies until April 1. All U.S. Citizenship and Im migration offices are closed for on-site services including interviews. USCIS will reschedule your naturalization, green card, and asylum interview. If you have an emergency — for example, if you need to apply for advanced parole for travel — learn how to get help by calling (800) 375-5283.

Filing applications:

Though USCIS is closed, you can submit applications and petitions by mail and online. Online filing includes naturalization applications (form N-400) and applications to renew or replace a green card (form I-90). You cannot apply for a fee waiver online but you can pay with a credit or debit card, or directly from your bank account.

Get forms and learn more about online filing at uscis.gov.

Legal help:

Many not-for-profit immigration law providers are providing remote services as well as remote application assistance. Find a free or lowcost immigration law service provider at immigrationadvocates.org /legaldirectory/

Deportation hearings:

Hearings are suspended for all but detained immigrants. If you are scheduled for a deportation hearing, the Executive Office for Immigration Review will reschedule your hearing. Some immigration courts are also closed for hearings.

For up-to-date information, go to justice.gov/eoir

Supervision interviews: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has suspended appearances for individuals under ICE supervision. These typically are individuals an immigration judge has ordered for deportation but whom ICE has allowed to stay temporarily. If you are under supervision, ICE will reschedule your appointment.

If your employment authorization is expiring you can still apply for a renewal.

Consulate interviews:

The State Department has suspended visa issuance at all consulates. This means delays for your relatives, visitors, international students, and employees applying for immigrant visas abroad.

Learn more at bit.ly/2x40WxA Public charge:

The restrictive public charge rules that took effect on Feb. 24 remain in effect. However, benefits received for treatment or testing for the coronavirus are exempt from consideration.

Allan Wernick is an attorney and director of the City University of New York’s Citizenship Now! project. Send questions to Allan Wernick, New York Daily News, 7th Fl., 4 New York Plaza, New York, N.Y., 10004 or email questions@allanwernick.com. Follow him on Twitter @awernick.