Client Service Statistics
ICS has been of assistance to persons from over 90 plus countries around the world. The percentages for the different types of immigration matters vary from year to year. For instance, we are seeing the number of NACARA cases decrease as we are seeing an increase in those who seek protection from violent crime. These statistics are based upon cases ICS handled during 2007. Initial consultations are not included. ICS sees approximately 2000 additional individuals and/or families each year who seek information and advice with their immigration matter.
The following is an overview of the types of cases ICS handles.
Assistance for asylum seekers | Representation for individuals affected by NACARA | Protection for Victims of Violent Crime Citizenship | Family Reunification | Other
Assistance for asylum seekers:
Asylum seekers are those who have fled their native countries and are afraid to return because they fear persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Clients come from many countries that have been experiencing wars and social unrest: El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia and Tibet. Unfortunately, harsh changes in the law has made asylum more difficult. However, our affirmative asylum program continues to have a high success rate; over 95% of the applicants represented by ICS who are interviewed by asylum officers have received asylum. In comparison, only 60% overall of asylum cases are approved in Oregon.
Representation for individuals affected by NACARA
Congress passed NACARA, or the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act, in 1997 in order to assist individuals who fled the violent civil wars in Central America. Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala were ravaged with civil conflicts throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. Many that fled the bloody violence were rural farm workers and others were indigenous people trapped between the military and guerrilla forces. In the case of Guatemala, the United Nations Commission categorized the violence as Government sponsored "genocide".
After arriving in the United States and applying for political asylum, most people were confronted with long waits and legal struggles. After a decade of lawsuits and procedural delays, Congress finally authorized NACARA to provide a streamlined process for eligible people to apply for lawful permanent resident status. Among other requirements, applicants must demonstrate that they have maintained “good moral character” and have resided in the US for at least seven years in order to qualify.
ICS assists a large number of Guatemalan and Salvadorans with this process at the Immigration Court and the Asylum office. In addition to direct legal representation, ICS has organized public informational meetings to explain the law and its benefits. Importantly for many of the indigenous people from Guatemala, we have utilized multilingual and multicultural interpreters for the Mayan languages of K'anjobal, Quiche and Acateco, which has allowed ICS to effectively serve the large number of indigenous Guatemalans now residing in Oregon.
Protection for Victims of Violent Crime
Since a 1995 amendment to the Violence Against Women Act, spouses and children of lawful permanent residents and US Citizens who have been subject to battery or extreme cruelty, have been eligible to apply for immigration benefits. Helping battered women obtain immigration status independent of their abusive spouses has proven to be a critical step in assisting women to take control of their lives.
One of the more recent changes in Immigration law is the addition of special visas that Congress designed to protect victims of violent crimes and human trafficking. These laws also provide innovative tools to local and federal law enforcement in regards to fighting such crimes. ICS helps many individuals and families seek these benefits, the most common being the U visa. A victim of certain classes of violent crimes may be granted temporary status if they cooperate with the police, prosecutor or other law enforcement agency. In exchange, the agencies have more cooperation from a population that is often fearful of working with law enforcement.
Citizenship
Legal permanent residents, who are of good moral character and meet all the other government requirements, may wish to apply for US Citizenship. ICS's legal staff not only assists with their applications but also works with the individuals on preparing for the U. S. History and Government examinations and on understanding their responsibilities as a new citizen in the community.
ICS staff also volunteers its time for a Citizenship Day, when we provide eligible legal permanent residents assistance in the preparation of their own, uncomplicated naturalization applications.
Family reunification
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylee can petition to immigrate children, spouses, parents and siblings under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Each category and country of origin has a different process and eligibility criteria. For some the process can take many years. Often details that seem arbitrary and insignificant can often result in eligibility complications. Some individuals may qualify for special legislation, such as the family unity program or the V visa, which allows them to reside and work in the United States while they are awaiting their eligibility for lawful Permanent Resident status. ICS assists individuals with all aspects of family-based immigration.
Other
This category covers those individuals we assist with Deportation Defense, Temporary Protected Status and other miscellaneous immigration matters.
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