Immigrant Services
The JFCS Immigrant Services program was started to help refugees become reunited with family members and helps transition them into American life. Our agency is the local affiliate of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), which has spearheaded Jewish immigration for more than 100 years. JFCS provides more than just the "bread-and-butter" services that the State Department requires of HIAS. We have partnered with the Oregon State Refugee Case Service Project (RCSP) and other local volunteer agencies because we believe that effective resettlement involves more than just moving from one place to another. It is a transition across culture, language and lifestyle that requires considerable support and assistance throughout the process.
Today, the agency provides other services of interest to refugees and immigrants through our Immigrant Services Program. These include assistance with filing documents to reunite family members separated by hardships and persecution, immigration papers including citizenship and green card applications as well as assistance with Russian translation. Through our Integrated Senior Access Project (ISAP), our staff provides short term case management and assistance to senior refugees and immigrants who need help with housing, utilities, language classes, accessing resources and government programs
Integrated Senior Access Project
The Integrated Senior Access Project (ISAP) is the result of public and private research efforts and collaborative planning with local senior program leaders in the Portland-metro area.
ISAP incorporates multiple services to low-income seniors, many of whom are Russian-speaking refugees and immigrants. The services include case management, transportation assistance, social activities, cultural events, nutritious meals coupled with cultural and educational programs, food boxes, translation and interpreter services, and English language and citizenship classes.
ISAP works together with the following community partners to increase access and quality of services to seniors: Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services, Ride Connection, Neighborhood House and Cedar Sinai Park.
Translation Services
Often new comers have difficulty with various government forms that are written in their new language. It takes a while before they become proficient in English, and for many older refugees, they will never become comfortable with English language skills. It is often difficult for most of us to decipher social security rules and correspondence and for a non-English speaker it is nearly impossible. Our staff is available particularly to elder refugees and immigrants to provide translation and interpretation when needed.
Assistance Preparing Documents
Once a refugee is here for an extended period of time they are eligible to apply for citizenship, to invite other family members from their native country who have also battled persecution and apply for a green card. Our case mangers assist in the preparation of these documents and in troubleshooting any problems that may occur along the way.
Language Classes
Our Community Immigrant Services program also offers English language and citizenship classes that are offered by community volunteers. Efforts are made to provide various levels of classes from beginners to more advanced conversational classes. If you would like information regarding these classes or how you can become a volunteer please call (503)226-7079.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I have a relative in my old country. How do I invite them to come to the United States?
A. Family Reunification is available to close relatives (parents, children, spouse, siblings) of a former refugee or immigrant. Your relative(s) needs to complete preliminary paperwork and send this to you along with required supporting documents. Then you will need to file an "Affidavit of Relationship" and include these documents along with an application to HIAS.
Q. How do I apply for citizenship?
A. To be eligible for citizenship you need to be in this country as a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (7 years for seniors 65 yrs or older). You will complete a Naturalization Application (N400) and submit this with a filing fee and 2 photos to the US Citizen Immigration Services (USCIS). You will then receive a letter inviting you to be fingerprinted for a criminal background check. Once your background check has been approved, you will receive notification of an interview, which includes the citizenship examination in civics and basic English. Once you pass the exam you are invited to take the Oath of Allegiance and you are given your Naturalization Certificate.
Q. How do I apply for a green card?
A. Complete an application and enclose it along with 2 photos, your immunization records & fees and submit these items to the Office of Homeland Security.
Contact Us
For information or assistance, contact Rita Shmulevsky at 503-226-7079 x115. |
