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Each year, thousands of immigrants come to Long Island seeking
work, a better way of life, or reunion with loved ones. Immigrants
have always played a significant role in the development of our
region, providing infusions of culture, energy, and enthusiasm that
help Long Island flourish. Catholic Charities welcomes immigrants
into our community, providing the guidance and assistance
necessary for newcomers to stabilize their situations, achieve
self-sufficiency as quickly as possible, and participate in the
life of the community.
Services Provided
We provide services in seven languages through three distinct program units:
Legal Counseling
Comprehensive, reliable legal counseling is the backbone of our
immigrant services, helping newcomers negotiate complex and
ever-changing immigration and naturalization laws. Catholic
Charities is the only agency on Long Island fully accredited by
the U.S. government to offer legal advice and represent clients
on immigration law matters up to the U.S. Supreme Court. Our
counselors currently handle more than 9,000 active cases, including
adjustments of immigration status, family reunification, work
authorizations, political asylum, visa extensions, and citizenship
applications. They also offer legal assistance to victims of human
trafficking and immigrant victims of various crimes including
domestic violence.
With funding from New York State OTDA/BRIA*, Catholic
Charities also assists the elderly, low-income individuals, and
those receiving public assistance with their naturalization and
citizenship applications. This includes the preparation and filing of
forms and legal consultation and representation, as well as requests
for medical and fee waivers.
*Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance/ Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance
Refugee Resettlement
In partnership with the U.S. government, the U.S. Catholic Bishops,
and New York State, refugee resettlement staff reach out to people
who arrive on Long Island fleeing war, natural disaster, or personal
persecution in their countries of origin. Full-range case management
services help these most vulnerable of newcomers to stabilize their
lives by securing food, clothing, housing, health care, English language
instruction, and employment services. Some transitional cash
assistance is available. Counseling and referral are available for those
facing post-traumatic stress, displacement shock, or other anxieties.
Advocacy and Organizing
Advocacy and organizing are coordinated to address laws, policies,
and practices that are unfair and inhumane toward immigrants. Many
immigrants - including increasing numbers of legal, long-standing,
and elderly immigrants - find the system unresponsive when they
seek emergency services and benefits to which they are entitled,
such as Medicaid or food stamps. Advocacy helps cut through the
red tape on a case-by-case basis. Working with the U.S. Bishops,
broad-based community organizing efforts unite the voices of
immigrants seeking systemic changes to improve immigration laws
and access to public benefits. Vigorous voter registration is central
to the empowered participation of immigrants and their families.
Locations and Hours
Catholic Charities Immigrant Services/Refugee Resettlement
143 Schleigel Blvd.
Amityville, NY 11701
Directions
Telephone: 631-789-5210
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
In addition, services are available at the Amityville site
on the first four Tuesday evenings of every month and regularly at 13
parishes throughout the diocese. Please call for information.
Eligibility and Fees
Any immigrant is eligible to receive services, regardless of status,
documentation, or national origin. Fees are based on ability to pay.
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