Resources

Below are several resources we hope you will find helpful.

U.S. Department of State - Frequently Requested Visa Information - Visa Bulletin - The Visa Bulletin offers valuable information about immigration. This link above will take you directly to the bulletin.

U.S.Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) - The Mission of U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is to address the needs and rights of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life.

American Immigration Lawyers Association - The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

United States Citizenship & Immigration Services - On March 1, 2003, service and benefit functions of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) transitioned into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The President nominated Eduardo Aguirre to lead the USCIS; he was confirmed by the Senate on June 19, 2003. The USCIS is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities. These functions include:

adjudication of immigrant visa petitions;
adjudication of naturalization petitions;
adjudication of asylum and refugee applications;
adjudications performed at the service centers, and
all other adjudications performed by the INS.

National Network for Immigration and Refugee Rights - The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) is a national organization composed of local coalitions and immigrant, refugee, community, religious, civil rights and labor organizations and activists. It serves as a forum to share information and analysis, to educate communities and the general public, and to develop and coordinate plans of action on important immigrant and refugee issues.

Public Policy Institute of California - The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. PPIC's research focuses on three program areas: population, economy, and governance and public finance. Studies within these programs are examining the underlying forces shaping California's future, cutting across a wide range of public policy concerns: the California economy, education, employment and income, immigration, infrastructure and urban growth, poverty and welfare, state and local finance, and the well-being of children and families.

Refugees International - Refugees International generates lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for displaced people around the world and works to end the conditions that create displacement.

United Nations High Commission on Refugees - The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.

Urban Institute - The Urban Institute is a nonprofit nonpartisan policy research and educational organization established to examine the social, economic, and governance problems facing the nation. It provides information and analysis to public and private decision makers to help them address these challenges and strives to raise citizen understanding of these issues and tradeoffs in policy making.

Resources for Immigrant Battered Women

Domestic Violence Resources in the East Bay
It is difficult to learn a new culture, new customs, and another language in a foreign country. It is even more difficult to speak out about abuse at home - in any language. If you suspect that someone is being battered or abused, the link above details local resources that can assist with emergencies, legal issues or counseling services.

Battered women have varied issues that are unique to their situation. Sometimes women from certain cultures choose or are forced into arranged marriages and is now suffering abuse. In some cultures, women are taught that they are obligated to tolerate the abuse. Finally, many immigrant women don't know that domestic violence is against the law and that there are places that can help them.

Why don't battered women leave an abusive marriage?
There may be many reasons why women don't leave an abusive marriage due to social or economic factors. Immigrant women are often especially intimidated by the possibility that they might be deported. There are legal remedies for these women in addition to agencies such as the International Institute of the East Bay that can educate women about their rights.

How can I help if I think that a woman is being abused?
If you suspect that someone is being abused, threatened, or hurt at home you can help by letting them know that the the abuse is not their fault and by suggesting some of the places that are listed on this guide to where they can get help and be safe.

Everyone deserves to live in a safe home.

Classes and workshops at our Redwood City office

Flyers, Cards, and Brochures with helpful information

Resources available for individuals with hearing, vision, mobility, and speech impairments:

Link- phones for people with disabilities