Immigration Services Ceased - One of the most urgent and valued services provided by the Migrant Ministry has been assisting migrants to complete and submit their asylum applications, work authorization, and change of court venue. Since early 2024, Immigration Support Services (ISS) has assisted nearly 300 migrants. A team of eighteen volunteers, including retired lawyers, translators, and trained lay people, spent hours assisting each migrant family. It was with a very heavy heart that the coordinator of ISS announced recently that the program would cease immediately.

In consultation with a bilingual immigration lawyer who has been volunteering her time with ISS, it was determined that “the drastically changed legal environment” requires the experience and knowledge of an immigration lawyer to navigate – including the initial step of submitting the application. Other obstacles have been placed in the work authorization process that caused the team to close that service as well. It is hoped that at some point in the future these services can be provided once again.

In the meantime, we continue to pivot as we strive to serve our migrant brothers and sisters. We are negotiating a lease with Boulevard Presbyterian to move our “free stores” and other services (ESL and Social Services) there. Plans are being developed to work with local schools and other organizations to provide coats and winter gear for migrants until the free stores can open. We recently sponsored a migrant court accompaniment training session with 32 participants. Our family accompaniment program continues, now providing even stronger support.

WE ARE NOT STOPPING. WE ARE NOT GIVING IN NOR GIVING UP. STAY TUNED!

We are pausing all but financial donations now, and will alert you when we can accept donations again. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Migrant Ministry.

For more information, email [email protected].