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 holistically integrates immigration legal and social services to help immigrants acclimate to their new homes, learn English, unite with their loved ones, gain citizenship and other legal statuses, find jobs, and receive care from the dedicated teams working with them every day. We also advocate for immigrant issues and rights in the fight for justice, and educate the community about immigration.
Arrival
Social Services
Legal Services
From their first steps on American soil to the oath of citizenship, HIAS Pennsylvania helps immigrants navigate the complexities of American society and its legal system. Our work spans legal, social support, and citizenship services.
HIAS Pennsylvania provides the following social services, spanning English as a Second Language classes, wellness groups, employment services, and more, to current qualifying clients only. In the future, we hope to expand these programs to any immigrant who needs them:
Education
English as a Second Language classes help current clients of all ages gain the basic language skills to function in the US. These classes are especially suited for immigrants with low literacy skills.
Partnering with local schools in Northeast Philadelphia, HIAS Pennsylvania also operates after-school and mentoring programs for refugee and immigrant youth of all grade levels. These programs provide case management support and help with academic and social skills in an environment where students feel comfortable and accepted.
Employment
Our employment orientation services introduce qualified clients to the American workplace and help them with their resumes and interview techniques. We match as many interested clients as we can with job mentors who work with them one-on-one to adapt their education and experience to the American labor market. Participants who meet the criteria of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Matching Grant Program may also have access to some financial incentives for employment.
Employers who are interested in partnering with HIAS Pennsylvania should visit our Employment Information for Employers page for more information and answers to frequently asked questions about hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants.
Immigrant Health and Wellness
HIAS Pennsylvania provides intensive case management support, especially to refugees and other vulnerable humanitarian immigrants who have gained status, such as single mothers and individuals with major medical needs.
In addition, our Immigrant Health and Wellness program brings immigrants together for conversation groups, women’s groups, trips to explore Philadelphia, and other group activities that improve language and social skills, confidence, and a sense of connection to one another and our city.
Our Philadelphia Neighbor program connects clients to volunteers who can provide extra mentorship and support.
Refugee Resettlement
When the US government sends refugees to Philadelphia for resettlement, HIAS Pennsylvania:
- Finds a safe and secure place for the new arrivals to live and furnishes it with donated household goods and furniture.
- Greets them at the airport and brings them to their new home for a hot, home-cooked meal.
- Helps them get Social Security cards and access to public benefits.
- Ensures they receive a thorough medical screening from one of our partner refugee health clinics.
- Orients them to the community and provides financial literacy lessons.
At the core of our services, HIAS Pennsylvania’s legal teams help low-income immigrants and refugees in our region navigate the United States immigration system and courts. Our team includes experienced attorneys, many with special expertise serving the most vulnerable groups, and Board of Immigration Appeals Accredited Representatives.
Of special note, we do not provide assistance with employment-based visa petitions.
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.
