Immigration and Refugee Services
Migrant Support Center
The Migrant Support Center specializes in family and employment based immigration services, including permanent residence, citizenship, work authorizations and visa renewal. These services are available to individuals and their families who are seeking legal status in the United States.
Services provided include:
-
Petition for Alien Relative
-
Adjustment of Status
-
Affidavit of Support
-
Work Authorization Renewal
-
Extension of Stay
-
Citizenship/Naturalization
-
Self-Petitions for Abused Spouses and Children
-
Certification of Citizenship
-
Removal of Conditions from Residency
-
Temporary Protected Status
-
U & T Visas
-
Change of Address
-
Status Inquiry
-
Interpretations
-
Translation of Documents (Spanish / English)
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program
Providing a loving and caring home for refugee children is a rewarding and challenging experience. The Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program is a special long-term foster care program for refugee children from all parts of the world. Catholic Charities has sponsored it since 1980.
Life offers few experiences as traumatic as those experienced by the refugee youth who must leave his family and face the danger of escaping from an oppressive government. The children leave through special arrangements between the United States and the other government. Refugees leave their families and homes, seeking freedom and a new life that provides opportunities for a brighter future.
Foster families provide a youth with an opportunity to attend school and to learn about life in America. These caring families give a refugee child hope, help with English, preparing for the future and adapting to our culture.
Single Parents as well as couples are needed to provide home for these youths, who range from age 12 to 19. Foster families are provided a strong support system from the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors staff. Financial support is provided for medical needs, clothing, English language tutoring, school supplies, and assistance with living expenses. Special training is provided that will assist the youth and foster family in adapting to cultural differences.
The Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program has two goals for all the youth. One is that they may continue their development in a positive home environment where they will become independent, productive and caring adults. Second, we hope that they will maintain and share some of their ethnic heritage from their native land. Special cultural activities are provided to help maintain this heritage.
Leviticus 19:34 tells us "treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the native born among you; have the same love for him as for yourself..." Opening our hearts and homes as foster families is a challenge and a way to witness God's love for all.
We seek to "welcome the stranger" through direct services, education, and advocacy on behalf of the immigrants in our state.
Contact Us:
Resources:
Immigration Services
601.948.2635
Refugee Services
601.981.6040
The Migrant Support Center ensures that the immigrant community is aware of its rights and responsibilities as guests, alien residents, or citizens of the United States. In collaboration with the Diocese Office of Hispanic Ministry, we continue to educate the general population about the immigrant community in order to promote understanding, acceptance, and protection of immigrant rights.
The Migrant Support Center staff advocate with parishes, employers, state agencies, civic organizations, and both state and national legislatures to promote the rights and general welfare of the immigrant community.
Some of the issues that concern us:
-
Fair immigration policy that keeps families together and does not discriminate against the poor
-
Elimination of the backlogs (of years) for immigration benefits
-
Decent housing for immigrant workers
-
Ability to obtain a drivers license for immigrants
-
Ending the exploitation of undocumented workers
The Migrant Support Center is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The BIA is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. In addition, the Board is responsible for the recognition of organizations and accreditation of representatives requesting permission to represent clients before the USCIS (formerly known as the INS).
The Center serves all immigrants, regardless of country of origin. Our staff speaks English and Spanish. Those who speak other languages should bring a translator.
Initial Consultation: $40.00