Immigration and Refugee Services
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On January 22, 2010, 166 people from 44 different countries were naturalized (received their citizenship) at Century II. Fran Betzen Cook, new director of Help Center and Immigration Services, was in attendance to congratulate three clients who had participated in Citizenship classes through the Immigration program. The classes helped these three clients prepare for their citizenship exam.
The three clients were from Vietnam, Mexico and Venezuela, and had been working on becoming United States citizens for as long as six years.  One client registered to vote immediately following the Citizenship oath ceremony!Â
Funding for the Citizenship classes was provided through the Knight Foundation. Staff plan to continue to offer these classes, but will charge for this needed service until additional funding can be identified.
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Immigration and Refugee Services provide benefit eligibility determination for citizenship, work authorizations and other related services, including assistance with paperwork.                           Director of the Help Center &                            Immigration Services |
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 Courtesy of Laura Sikes  |
Many people don’t reach out for help because they are unsure of the process and what they are eligible for. Through a simple interview, we can help determine your status and your eligibility for benefits. In addition, we can help you complete the necessary paperwork and guide you to the appropriate agencies.
Immigration Services
•Assistance with the preparation of Family Visa petitions
•Assistance with adjustment of status applications
•Consular Visa Processing: including assistance with waivers for triggering unlawful presence bars
•Naturalization/Citizenship Services (N-400 and N-600 applications)
•Re-entry Permit/Travel Document
•Employment Authorization
•Family Unity
•Other immigration needs related to Visa procedures
•Outreach to communities, orgaizations and parishes
•Immigration Information Sessions
•Consultations: to address client’s immigration concerns, determine eligibility for an immigration benefit/application, and go over immigration procedures
Services are provided in Spanish, Vietnamese and English.
 Credentials
•Accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to provide immigration services.
•Affiliated with Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) to provide immigration services.
•Resettlement of refugees in participation with United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS).
Cost
Consultation is $25. Nominal fees for services; vary depending on individual needs.
Hours
Wednesdays are walk-in days
8 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays by appointment only
To schedule an appointment, please call us at (316) 264-0282
Refugee Services
Working with the USCCB/MRS, staff help refugees resettle, including help with integration into their community and connection with resources, like schools, social services and government offices.
Additional Help
•Notary public (for immigration purposes only)
•Photos for Passports and immigration needs
•Documentation to apply for the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA)- women who are in the United States as an undocumented person may qualify for help with gaining legal status if they are married to a legal resident or U.S. citizen who abuses them. We work with Harbor House and another women’s shelter in town to help these women.
Interpreter Services
Catholic Charities provides on-site, accurate and confidential translations in Spanish and Vietnamese. Interpreter Services offers interpretations for medical, mental health, legal, social service, education, and general purposes.
Click here to learn about Interpreter Services
Click here for volunteer opportunities
Click here for donation needs.
