Immigration

In addition to integrating refugees into the U.S., IRC’s resettlement network provides high-quality, comprehensive immigration services to refugee and immigrant clients. Twelve regional offices have been accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide immigration legal services.

The IRC offers a full spectrum of immigration services:

Information

• Provide Immigration Orientation to newly arriving refugees
• Disseminate “Immigration Matters” handbook to refugees
• Respond to queries about naturalization, status adjustment and other immigration matters
• Distribute informational and study materials to naturalization applicants

Direct Services

• Assist Clients with Applications/Petitions
• Family Reunification
• Adjustment of Status
• Naturalization
• Employment Authorization Document
• Refugee Travel Document
• Replacement of Immigration Documents
• Temporary Protected Status
• Diversity Lottery
• Advise clients of relevant U.S. immigration laws, policies, and procedures
• Conduct Green Card/Citizenship group processing sessions
• Provide translation and photo services
• Prepare clients for INS interviews
• Conduct Citizenship Information Workshops
• Teach citizenship classes and refresher courses
• Organize Community Legal Education Seminars
• Refer clients to specific organizations and pro bono attorneys

Advocacy

• Accompany refugee clients to INS interviews
• Arrange off-site INS interviews for clients with disabilities
• Conduct outreach drives to vulnerable refugee/immigrant populations
• Liaise with INS service centers and district offices on behalf of clients
• Participate in local/national immigration coalitions to press for fair immigration laws and policies
• Advocate on behalf of individual refugee cases with international organizations and governmental agencies