Our Programs
From their first steps on American soil to the oath of citizenship, HIAS Pennsylvania welcomes immigrants as they navigate the complexities of American society and its legal system. Our work helps local immigrants gain citizenship and other legal statuses, unites them with their loved ones, provides guidance throughout the work authorization process, and protects immigrants from detention and deportation. We also advocate for immigrants’ rights in the fight for justice, and educate the community about immigration.
Asylee Outreach Program (AOP)
HIAS Pennsylvania’s Asylee Outreach Program (AOP) works with asylees, refugees, victims of trafficking (T-visa recipients), victims of crime (U-visa recipients), and Cuban & Haitian parolees.
Asylum
HIAS Pennsylvania fights for human rights by representing those fleeing persecution in their home countries. ¿Qué es el asilo?
Asylum and Removal Defense
Citizenship and Family Unification
Immigrant and refugee families can call us for legal assistance in filing family petitions, applying for adjustment of status and consular processing.
In addition to helping immigrants gain legal status, HIAS Pennsylvania also assists with the process to obtain:
- Green cards
- Work authorizations
- Travel documents
Many immigrants who could become citizens have not done so because they lack information about the naturalization process and the ability to pay the fees and expenses.
HIAS Pennsylvania, a leader in naturalization services for decades, helps immigrants with their applications; works with them on medical, language, and fee waivers; and provides representation at their interviews with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about who is eligible to apply for citizenship here.
Through the Philadelphia-Citizenship Action Network (P-CAN), HIAS Pennsylvania and our partners also offer citizenship classes across Philadelphia.
See upcoming citizenship classes here.
Crisis and Humanitarian Response
Immigrant Youth Advocacy
HIAS Pennsylvania ensures that youth never have to return to neglect or abuse in their home countries through our work helping youth apply for asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ).
Survivors of Crime
HIAS Pennsylvania empowers immigrant survivors of crime to report criminal activity against them by helping them stabilize their status.
Survivors of Domestic Violence
HIAS Pennsylvania ensures that survivors of domestic violence of all genders gain immigration independence from their abusers through legal policies that include the Violence Against Women Act.
Temporary Protected Status
HIAS Pennsylvania helps immigrants reapply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We also help immigrants apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), given to immigrants from certain countries affected by armed conflict or natural disaster.
