Refugee & Immigrant Services
Announcement on Review of Refugee Cases and Suspension of Green Card Processing
Last week, the Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security announced several immigration policy changes that will affect refugees and nationals of the travel ban countries, including Afghanistan, in the United States. These policies are still developing, but we want to communicate the information that we currently know about these policies and what we can do to prepare for their enforcement.
It is important to note that these policies do not take away permanent residency, asylum status, refugee status, or any other lawful status. An individual with lawful status in the United States currently remains in lawful status.
- All refugees admitted during the Biden administration (January 20, 2021—February 20, 2025) will be re-vetted and potentially re-interviewed.
- All refugee green card processing is paused.
- All immigration applications for individuals from the 19 travel ban countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, are paused.
- All green cards issued to individuals during the Biden administration from the 19 travel ban countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, and Sudan, will be reviewed.
- All asylum decisions are currently paused.
- All asylum decisions made during the Biden administration are being reviewed.
USCIS cannot revoke an existing status arbitrarily. If USCIS intends to re-interview or communicate an intent to re-adjudicate an application, the agency must notify the applicant.
Afghans and other noncitizens affected by these policies should:
- Update their address and contact information with USCIS.
- Promptly open any communication received from USCIS via mail or email; and
- Immediately inform their lawyer of any communication from the government.
Furthermore, noncitizens should remember that they have a right to remain silent and a right to speak to an attorney. If a noncitizen is approached by law enforcement or anyone else asking about their immigration case, they should politely decline to answer questions and contact their lawyer and/or volunteer team immediately.
Welcome!
Upon arriving in Boston, individuals face daunting linguistic, economic, cultural, and legal challenges. We help arrivals integrate into society by offering support and guidance as they adjust to their new surroundings and become active participants in their communities.
Refugee Resettlement
Refugees from all corners of the world including Burma, Cuba, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Somalia, and Vietnam land in Boston. We provide the newcomers with a modest apartment furnished with basic necessities and help them acclimate to their new lives.
Interpreter Services
We provide translation services to assist people with limited English language skills in accessing legal, health, educational, and other services. Our skilled interpreters are a crucial link helping recent immigrants get the help they need to thrive.
Immigrant Legal Services
Newcomers need quality legal consultation, referral, and representation to help them navigate complex issues including political asylum, naturalization, and family reunification. These services are in high demand and have a waiting list.
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