Arrival to Citizenship

About Us

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.

Asylum

HIAS Pennsylvania fights for human rights by representing those fleeing persecution in their home countries. ¿Qué es el asilo?

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 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.

Survivors of Crime

HIAS Pennsylvania empowers immigrant survivors of crime to report criminal activity against them by helping them stabilize their status.

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.

Asylum and Removal Defense

 

 

Crisis and Humanitarian Response

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.

Does it sound like we can help you?

G'mar chatima tova.

HIAS Pennsylvania's office will be closed on Monday, September 25th, in observance of Yom Kippur. 

TONIGHT (4/20) - Join us ONLINE at the 2023 Golden Door Awards!

Join us ONLINE at 6:45PM TONIGHT, Thursday, April 20th, for HIAS PA's 2023 Golden Door Awards: United for Immigrants!

Happy Passover from HIAS Pennsylvania!HIAS PA is closed in observance of the Jewish holiday of Passover

HIAS Pennsylvania will be closed in observance of the Jewish holiday of Passover from 1PM on Wednesday, April 5th through Friday, April 7th, and on Wednesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 13th.

Join us at the 2023 Golden Door Awards!United for Immigrants

The Golden Door Awards is HIAS Pennsylvania's annual fundraiser. Your generous support helps us serve low-income immigrants from all over the world as they build new lives in our community.

Last chance to be the light for immigrants this year!It only takes one spark to light an entire room.

Your support today means your immigrant neighbors are able to make a home for themselves and thrive in our community.

Building closed until further noticeHIAS PA remains open!

HIAS PA’s physical offices at 600 Chestnut Street are CLOSED until further notice due to a burst pipe in the building.

Our organization remains open, and HIAS PA staff continue to work remotely at this time.

Please call (215) 832-0900 with any questions.

Building closed until further noticeHIAS PA remains open!

HIAS PA’s physical offices at 600 Chestnut Street are CLOSED until further notice due to a burst pipe in the building.

Our organization remains open, and HIAS PA staff continue to work remotely at this time.

Please call (215) 832-0900 with any questions.

Unleash generosity this Giving Tuesday!

This Giving Tuesday, you can change an immigrant's life!


This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to be part of a worldwide effort to give back to those in need in our community and help immigrants and refugees begin new lives here in Pennsylvania!

Join us ONLINE at 12:45PM TODAY at the Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Volunteer Appreciation Awards!

Thanking our volunteers, who, in times of crisis and calm, constantly step up to “repair the world” by supporting immigrants and refugees.

Join us at the Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Volunteer Appreciation Awards!

The in-person Tikkun Olam Awards are sold out!

Join us online TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 19th, at 12:45PM at the virtual Tikkun Olam Awards!


Thanking our volunteers, who, in times of crisis and calm, constantly step up to “repair the world” by supporting immigrants and refugees.

TONIGHT: Join us at the table!Join us for Thankful Together!

Thankful Together, formerly known as Refugee Thanksgiving, is happening TONIGHT at 6PM!

Register here to join us tonight: https://hiaspa1.wpengine.com/event/thankful-together-2021/

Celebrate our volunteers who make this all possible!Click here at 11:45AM to join our Annual Meeting!

Click here to join our virtual Annual Meeting!

The Annual Meeting starts at noon, but join us at 11:45AM for an informal chat before the event!

POSTPONED! Speed Advocacy: Afghanistan

Today's Speed Advocacy: Afghanistan Facebook Live event has been postponed due to a worldwide Facebook outage. We will update you as soon as possible about rescheduling the event.

Join us for Thankful TogetherWatch performances from cultural groups and immigrants from around Philadelphia.
Give immigrants a brighter future

Make 2021 better for immigrants and refugees by ensuring they have the support to recover from anti-immigrant policies and the pandemic.

Double your donation this Giving Tuesday!All gifts will be matched up to a total of $11,000

Help every immigrant achieve their greatest potential by ensuring there are no obstacles like a lack of legal status or language access stand in their way.