Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)

The Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) is a federal immigration law enacted in 1997 that continues to provide important immigration benefits to certain eligible individuals from designated countries and, in limited circumstances, qualifying family members. Although NACARA relief is only available to specific groups that satisfy strict statutory requirements, eligible applicants may obtain relief from removal and, in many cases, lawful permanent residence in the United States.

At the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C., we assist individuals in determining whether they qualify for relief under NACARA and represent eligible applicants before the Immigration Courts, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other immigration authorities.

Understanding NACARA

NACARA was enacted to address the immigration status of certain nationals from Nicaragua, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, and designated former Soviet bloc countries who met specific residency, asylum, or registration requirements established by Congress. Certain provisions of the law were later expanded to provide limited protection for qualifying family members and, in some circumstances, survivors of battery or extreme cruelty.

Because NACARA eligibility depends upon very specific statutory deadlines and historical immigration events, determining eligibility requires a careful review of each individual's immigration history.

Who May Qualify for NACARA §203 Relief?

Depending upon the facts of the case, individuals may qualify for NACARA §203 relief if they fall within one of the categories established under federal law, including:

Certain Nationals of Guatemala

• Entered the United States on or before October 1, 1990.
• Properly registered for benefits under the American Baptist Churches (ABC) Settlement Agreement within the required time period.
• Filed a qualifying asylum application within the applicable statutory deadlines.
• Meet all additional eligibility requirements established by law.

Certain Nationals of El Salvador

• Entered the United States on or before September 19, 1990.
• Properly registered under the ABC Settlement Agreement or applied for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) within the required deadlines.
• Filed a qualifying asylum application within the applicable statutory deadlines.
• Meet all additional statutory eligibility requirements.

Certain Guatemalan or Salvadoran Asylum Applicants

Some Guatemalan and Salvadoran nationals who filed asylum applications before the statutory deadlines established by Congress and whose cases meet the requirements of the law may also qualify for NACARA relief.

Certain Nationals of Former Soviet Bloc Countries

Eligible individuals from designated former Soviet bloc countries who entered the United States and filed asylum applications within the statutory deadlines established under NACARA may qualify if they satisfy all legal requirements.

Applicants generally must also demonstrate that they are not barred from relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act, including certain criminal grounds and other statutory disqualifications.

Special Eligibility Provisions

Depending upon the applicable section of the law, certain qualifying spouses, children, and other eligible family members may also qualify for immigration benefits under NACARA. In limited circumstances, survivors of battery or extreme cruelty may be eligible for relief through specific provisions of federal immigration law.

Because these provisions are highly technical and fact-specific, every case requires careful legal evaluation.

How the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C. Can Help

NACARA cases often involve immigration records dating back several decades. Our office carefully reviews asylum filings, ABC registration records, Temporary Protected Status applications, immigration court proceedings, entry records, and other historical documentation to determine whether relief may still be available.

We provide:

Comprehensive Eligibility Evaluations: Careful review of your immigration history to determine whether you qualify for NACARA relief.

Representation Before Immigration Courts and USCIS: Experienced legal representation throughout the application process and in removal proceedings when appropriate.

Case Strategy and Documentation: Preparation of supporting evidence, legal briefs, affidavits, and historical documentation necessary to establish eligibility under the statute.

Personalized Legal Guidance: Honest advice regarding available immigration options, including alternative forms of relief if NACARA does not apply to your case.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Although NACARA relief is limited to specific groups of individuals who satisfy strict statutory requirements, it continues to provide important immigration benefits for eligible applicants. If you believe you or a family member may qualify under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, contact the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation. Our experienced legal team will evaluate your case and help determine whether NACARA or another form of immigration relief may be available under current U.S. immigration law.