Overview
In December 2024, Governor Hochul signed into law the “Alex R. Jimenez Immigrant Family Legacy Act” (NYS Veterans’ Services Law section 29-d) which honors the sacrifices of Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jimenez, other non-citizen military members, and their families.
In partnership with the NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs and the NYS Department of Veterans Affairs, the NYS Office for New Americans (ONA) designated liaisons will receive and coordinate referrals to help people seeking legal assistance to secure immigration status in the U.S., including but not limited to, citizenship. The designated ONA liaisons are tasked with connecting eligible individuals to immigration legal services, liaising between relevant state and federal agencies to facilitate referrals and service delivery, coordinating with service providers as needed, developing and maintaining outreach resources, and conducting activities to promote the program.
How to Access Services
Non-citizen military members, veterans, or their family members in New York State who are in need of immigration legal services can call the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 (Monday-Friday, 8am – 8pm, and Saturday & Sunday, 9am - 5pm, except major holidays) for free information and to learn about how to receive referrals. All calls are confidential and assistance is available in 200+ languages.
ONA is partnering with Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc. (VLPCNY) to provide free legal services for eligible immigrant service members, veterans, and their immediate family. To find out more about VLPCNY's services under this program and how to connect, visit:
In addition, for veterans in New York State, if you wish to learn about veterans’ benefits and services you might be eligible for, you may contact the NYS Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) at 1-888-838-7697 for more information and to make an appointment. DVS can assist with:
- Copies of military documents and discharge papers
- Claims assistance
- Disability assistance
- Housing
- Family resources
- Discharge upgrades
- Healthcare
- Restoration of Honor
DVS can also provide mental health resources that can help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), suicide prevention, traumatic brain injury, and more. To reach the veteran’s crisis line, call 988 and press 1.
Additional State Resources
The New York State Office for Mental Health (OMH) has resources and toolkits for military members and their family. For more information visit: https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/military/
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) Veterans Health Information Clearing House provides a list of resources for veterans, their families, and their health care providers seeking health care information. The Clearing House provides links and phone numbers for federal, state, and other health care resources that may help veterans and providers seeking information on illnesses that may be service-connected and facilities that may be able to provide health care services. For more information visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/veterans/index.htm
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) works to support veteran-specific treatment programs for those overcoming substance use. They provide patient-centered care with trauma-informed environments. These unique programs recognize the values, core beliefs, and culture of military service. For more information visit: https://oasas.ny.gov/treatment/veterans
Background
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Alex Ramon Jimenez died in 2008, while serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Prior to his death, he had filed for his wife, who was a non-citizen, to become a lawful permanent resident. However, he was deployed to Iraq and his unit was later attacked by insurgents on May 12, 2007. He, along with several other troops, were abducted. While he was away, his wife was placed into removal proceedings. Unfortunately, Jimenez was killed in Iraq and his remains were found around July 9, 2008. With the help of an attorney and elected officials, his wife was able to receive a discretionary parole in place by the Department of Homeland Security. She was later able to adjust her status and remain in the U.S. In recognition of the sacrifices of Sgt. Jimenez and other members of the U.S. Armed forces and veterans, USCIS issued policy memos (PM-6-2-0091 on November 15, 2013 and PM-602-0114 on November 23, 2016) about parole-in place and deferred action requests made on behalf of immigrants who are present in the U.S. without admission or parole and who are spouses, children, or parents of the those who are in active duty or are veterans. In 2019, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 that established the parole in place to maintain the unity of military families. On December 21, 2024, Governor Hochul signed into law the “Alex R. Jimenez Immigrant Family Legacy Act” (NYS Veterans’ Services Law section 29-d).
Alex R. Jimenez Immigrant Family Legacy Act (NYS Veterans’ Services Law, Section 29-d)
NYS Veterans’ Services Law section 29-d
Additional Information
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Information and Links to Resources Specifically for Members of the Military and Their Families: https://www.uscis.gov/military/military
*You should obtain a legal consultation from knowledgeable immigration attorneys or DOJ Accredited Representatives before considering to apply for any immigration-related forms or benefits.