Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act

The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, commonly known as NACARA, is a pivotal U.S. law established in 1997. It provides critical immigration benefits and offers relief from deportation to specific groups, including Nicaraguans, Cubans, Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and nationals from former Soviet bloc countries, along with their dependents who arrived as asylees. Initially intended to address the overflow of Central American cases that burdened the U.S. asylum program in the mid-1990s, NACARA’s scope was expanded in October 2000 to include certain family members and individuals who have suffered from battery or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or some NACARA 203 beneficiaries.

Eligibility for NACARA 203 Relief

To qualify for NACARA 203 relief, individuals must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Guatemalans

• Entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990.
• Registered for ABC benefits by December 31, 1991.
• Applied for asylum by January 3, 1995.
• Were not apprehended at the time of entry after December 19, 1990.
• For detailed information on ABC benefits, visit the American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh (ABC) Settlement Agreement page.

2. Salvadorans
First entered the United States on or before September 19, 1990.

• Registered for ABC benefits or applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by October 31, 1991.
• Applied for asylum by February 16, 1996.
• Were not apprehended at the time of entry after December 19, 1990.

3. Guatemalans or Salvadorans who applied for asylum on or before April 1, 1990, and have not yet received a final decision.

4. Nationals from former Soviet bloc countries

• Entered the United States on or before December 31, 1990.
• Applied for asylum by December 31, 1991.
• Were from countries including the Soviet Union, Russia, any republic of the former Soviet Union, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia, or any state of the former Yugoslavia at the time of filing.

Additionally, applicants must not have been convicted of an aggravated felony to qualify for NACARA 203.

Special Considerations

Qualified family members of individuals in the above categories may also be eligible for NACARA 203 relief. Furthermore, individuals who have been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by a qualifying individual can apply for NACARA 203 relief through an Immigration Judge (IJ).

How We Can Help

If you think you might be eligible for NACARA 203 relief, or if you are facing complexities related to your immigration status under this act, the Law Offices of Cindy Paul are here to assist you. Our team is equipped with the expertise and sensitivity to handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism. We encourage you to reach out for a detailed consultation to explore your options and begin the application process.

Navigating immigration law can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Contact our offices today, and let us help you determine the best pathway for your circumstances.