The Immigration Working Group at the Peace and Justice Center works in the areas of education, advocacy, financial assistance with U-visas, and coordination of transportation to immigration related appointments (legal hearings, immigration check-ins, lawyer appointments, physicals for visa, etc.).
Education
The Immigration Working Group sponsors educational activities, discussion groups, book studies, and speakers. To see their upcoming meetings and events visit www.neipjc.org/calendar-of-events.
Advocacy
The Immigration Working Group works as advocates for national immigration reform that includes the following:
- Policies and enforcement that treat immigrants, regardless of legal status, with compassion and respect for the family unit.
- Making the path to acquiring legal residency and citizenship simpler, friendlier, more accessible, and less bureaucratic.
- A focus on improving and enforcing hiring laws for employers rather than immigration raids, detentions, and deportations.
Contact the Peace and Justice Center’s office for more information on how to get involved.
Financial Assistance for U-visas
Micro-loans are available for individuals and families who are applying for U-visas. U-visas were created by legislation passed in 2000, and are designed to provide immigration status to noncitizens who are assisting or are willing to assist authorities investigating crimes. For more information visit www.neipjc.org/our-work/immigration or contact the Peace and Justice Center’s office.
Transportation
Volunteers are available to drive individuals and small families to appointments that are a part of immigration processes. Transportation may be utilized for immigration related appointments (legal hearings, immigration check-ins, lawyer appointments, physicals for visa, etc.).
Sponsoring Organization: Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center, www.neipjc.org. Contact the office at 563.382.5337 and neipjc@gmail.com.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Apply for U-visa assistance
- Attend educational events
- Participate in the working group
- Donate to the Organization
- Volunteer to provide transportation