Understanding Immigration

To receive updates on immigration legislation, send your e-mail address to Maricella Garcia.

Immigration Services — Springdale

Catholic Charities of Arkansas

Catholic Charities Immigration Services — Little Rock Provides low-cost immigration counseling services

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Catholic Charities Immigration Services provides low-cost immigration counseling and support to families and individuals who are eligible for immigration benefits and cannot afford private assistance. The mission of Catholic Charities Immigration Services is to work for solidarity in our community by welcoming the stranger in the spirit of the Gospel. We recognize the inalienable right of all persons to human dignity. We therefore assist and advocate for immigrants to attain family unity, economic independence and social integration.

Supported by a U.S. Department of Justice grant supporting a federal law to protect victims of human trafficking and violence, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) specialist assists immigrants in safely leaving dangerous situations and obtaining immigration status that supports them in making decisions for their own future. The Crime Victims Services Coordinator also works with law enforcement agencies and parish/community teams to educate them about immigrant victims' rights when they are victims of a violent crime and to provide access to critical resources for victims when they are in crisis.

Services

Family-based Immigration Services

• Counseling for family-based immigration needs
• Preparation of family-based immigration applications and forms to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Referral to attorneys for legal assistance and deportation proceedings

Violence Against Women Act Program (VAWA)

• Preparation of VAWA petitions (for victims of domestic violence), U petitions (for victims of crime), and T petitions (for victims of trafficking) at no charge
• Education in immigrant communities around the state about domestic violence and the available resources to help immigrant victims
• Education concerning immigration remedies for victims for attorneys, judges, religious leaders, social workers, shelter staff, etc. who are likely to come into contact with victims

Education and Advocacy

• Networking and referrals to community resources
• Immigration workshops and seminars at various events in the community on immigrant’s rights, changes in immigration law, and qualifications for family-based immigration and citizenship
• Advocate with local, state, and federal representatives for responsible, humane, and moral immigration reform in our laws to ensure that families are reunited, that immigrants are treated with dignity and respect, and that immigrants receive access to important information about potential changes in the law that could impact their status

We do not allow walk-ins, so please contact our office to make an appointment.