Emergency in Haiti: Irish Immigration Center’s Response
On January 12, a powerful earthquake wreaked havoc on Haiti resulting in over 250,000 deaths and millions left behind in need of shelter, sanitation, and nutrition. Today, the Haitian Diaspora of Boston struggles to support themselves and their family members left behind in Haiti.
In light of these hardships, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced temporary relief measures for affected individuals. These include granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Haitians in the U.S. since January 12, and the expedited processing of certain petitions for relatives in Haiti.
The Irish Immigration Center is part of a united response from State, City, and non-profits assisting a grieving Haitian community. We are providing a two-pronged service to our clients in need:
LEGAL
IIC is providing practical support, counseling, and legal assistance to Haitians applying for Temporary Protected Status, including group information sessions on the TPS process.
We are also increasing assistance to the Haitian community with other immigration issues such as petitions to sponsor eligible family members or green card applications. First time visitors to the Irish Immigration Center can attend one of our Tuesday clinics with questions and receive further consultation after this initial meeting.
First-time Haitian visitors can also attend a legal clinic we hold in partnership with a Haitian organization. Our services accommodate the language abilities of our clients with Kreyol, French and English translation assistance.
Please contact us at 617.542.7654 x 46 or estvictor@iicenter.org for additional information or questions.
SUPPORT
We also offer community-based services such as grief counseling, case management, advocacy, and education that can help assist with non-legal concerns our clients may have. Working with a number of culturally sensitive and compassionate organizations in the Greater Boston area, we can coordinate efforts to assist in the social needs of Haitians during this traumatic experience.
Please contact 617.542.7654 ext. 14 or dowen@iicenter.org for more information.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS
We partner with a number of local Haitian associations to help reach the Haitian population with a comprehensive support network for their multi-faceted needs. We are pleased to partner with these groups that have an extensive and benevolent history of serving the Haitian Diaspora.
We recognize that the Irish community and indeed people of all backgrounds are concerned about the needs of people in Haiti, as well as Haitians living in the United States. As immigrant communities, we share in our efforts to build a legacy of a culturally enriched American life.
If you would like to give a donation for IIC's Haiti efforts, please click below:
RESOURCES:
Global News Coverage of Haitian Humanitarian Crisis