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Episcopal Immigration Network


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It's a Jungle Out There

When the Singh family stepped off the plane at JFK they were bursting with optimism.  Somehow they would find work. Somehow they would find a nice apartment. Their kids would go to good schools. They would manage to get green cards. In short, they would live out the American dream, starting the very next day. Instead, the Singhs found themselves working in an illegal sweatshop for less than minimum wage. They spent their savings on an unscrupulous immigration lawyer who promised them the world and delivered nothing. The constant struggle began to damage both the Singhs marriage and their relationship with their rapidly-becoming-Americanized children.

It is stories like this one that inspired Episcopal Family Charities to launch this newest and much-needed project.

The Goal:

To help our new neighbors manage the many issues surrounding immigration.

Informational Documents (GFDL)

Immigration Law Basics
Avoid Fraudulent Counsel!
Naturalized Citizenship
Naturalized Citizenship en Espanol
Requirements for Naturalization
Red Flags to Naturalization
Red Flags to Naturalization en Espanol
Family Reunification
How To Prepare for Legalization
How To Prepare for Legalization en Espanol

Official Guide to Immigration in Chinese
(Large File - 7Mb)

The Strategy

Training parish volunteers to assist immigrants through the citizenship process and to help them deal with the other issues surrounding life in a new country. Well trained and supported local volunteers will enable us to extend our reach and provide quality services to a broad spectrum of people throughout our region. All our volunteers and staff abide by professional standards and practices of confidentiality and ethics. Fees are nominal and in certain cases of demonstrated financial need will be waived. Clients, through the LawLogix online case-management system have direct access to their cases and updated information.


Having access to this help means that immigrants will not resort to unethical lawyers.

As part of the Ya es Hora! campaign ECS has been helping people eligible for US citizenship prepare for the process by helping prepare their forms and helping get them ready for their tests and interviews. Professional immigration workers and lawyers provide backup support. Episcopal Community Services hopes to receive federal Bureau of Immigrations Appeals accreditation in 2007/2008. Having access to this legal help means that immigrants will not resort to unethical lawyers and notarios who charge a great deal, even when they know they cannot help.
This program also has an important second benefit, in that it creates opportunities for local volunteers to connect and partner with immigrant neighbors in their local communities.
If your congregation or community group would like to schedule an outreach regarding Immigration Issues, please contact the office to schedule and event.

Available: Queens, Brooklyn

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