We serve:
Refugees:
People who have been forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, torture or imprisonment for their beliefs. They come to the United States through the U.S. Department of State Refugee Resettlement Program after passing immigration interviews, background checks and medical exams. Often they have spent years in refugee camps before having the opportunity to apply for resettlement.
Asylees:
Like refugees, they have fled their home country due to war, persecution, torture or imprisonment for their beliefs. The difference is that an asylee makes it to the United States on his own, and once here, applies for asylum. The process can take many years. Asylees may be granted asylum by an immigration officer or by an immigration judge after proving they have a credible fear of what would happen if returned to their home country. They also undergo background checks.
Immigrants:
Encompass a variety of reasons and ways of coming to the United States. Some are sponsored by relatives, some are sponsored by employers, and some are here based upon their talents, education or skills. Some come through the system, some do not. Most work hard to support their families and to make a better life for their children, just like most native-born Americans and our immigrant ancestors.
Internationals:
People who are living in the United States for a specific period of time but intend to return to their home country. They often come through an employer or business, or to study, or to visit relatives. Their stay can be just a few days or can be several years. While here, they learn about the U.S., its people and culture.
We provide assistance with:
Housing:
Tenant/Landlord rights & responsibilities, explanation of leases, how to find an apartment or buy a house.
Transportation:
How to understand and ride the buses, how to obtain a driver’s license, car loans and how they work, getting and maintaining car insurance.
Education:
Enrollment of children in school, applying for college, finding GED or ESL classes.
Employment:
Assistance with filling out application forms, referrals for problems between employees and employers.
Child care:
understanding of the child care system here, what to expect, questions to ask, how to locate and how to pay for child care.
Health (Physical & Mental):
Setting appointments, making sure that interpreters and transportation arranged for the appointments, locating an appropriate doctor, clinic or hospital. Referrals to the USCIS approved Civil Surgeon for immigration physicals.
Public Benefits:
If eligible and necessary, Social Security card applications, Medicaid, WIC, food stamps, cash assistance, SSI/Disability
Legal:
Assistance with locating a lawyer, notification when an interpreter will be needed, setting appointments.
Immigration:
Filling out basic documents, referrals to immigration attorneys, writing letters, setting Infopass appointments, information regarding changes in immigration processes, such as fee increases.
Financial:
Explanation of the banking system in the U.S., referrals for tax preparation, assistance with understanding bills received in the mail.