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Press Releases
UPCOMING DACA EVENT
ICS and PCC Prep Alternative Programs are hosting an event, Thursday, May 2nd, to learn about eligibility for Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA), GED and High School Completion.
Get the Event Brochure
See Event Video and More information.
ICS receives $1000.00 donation from Youth Group
(Portland, Ore.) – Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) recently received a $1000.00 check from Youth Ending Slavery (YES) to help cover the costs of its burgeoning Anti-Trafficking Division. ICS offers comprehensive social services assistance to foreign born victims of human trafficking identified in Oregon. “We are elated to receive these funds” said Chris Killmer, the program manager for the anti-trafficking Division. Mr. Killmer came into contact with YES when he was asked to speak at their Justice Summit in December 2012.
The conference brought together all of the Catholic high schools in the Portland metro area to discuss trafficking. After the conference Youth Ending Slavery approached ICS about being the beneficiary of their concert in February. The concert featuring the bands Bipolarbear, Reign the Arcade, and The Ecstatics subsequently raised $1000.00 for ICS. “ICS is honored to partner with Youth Ending Slavery and to be the recipient of this donation” stated Mr. Killmer. “Youth Ending Slavery is an excellent organization of young passionate dedicated individuals who are trying to raise awareness of all types of trafficking in our region.” Funds raised at the event will go directly towards advocacy and victims services.
Foundations support DACA!
A generous grant from Meyer Memorial Trust, The Oregon Community Foundation, The Collins Foundation, McKenzie River Gathering Foundation, Northwest Health Foundation and Vibrant Village Foundation has made it possible for Immigration Counseling Service (ICS) to increase its capacity to provide legal assistance to youth who are applying for temporary status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. ICS is so appreciative that these organizations realized there would be an overwhelming response to DACA and were willing to lend support for our increased workload.
DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.
ELIGIBILITY
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high
school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
ICS Opens An Anti-Trafficking Department
In September of 2012, ICS opened an anti-trafficking department that will provide comprehensive services for human trafficking victims. This new department is being headed by Christopher Killmer and will offer:
Initial Screenings ICS screens potential survivors of labor and sex trafficking to determine eligibility for relief and social services.
Legal Services ICS provides representation to human trafficking survivors and their families.
Social Services ICS through a contract with the United States Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), provides social services advocacy, case management and referral services to trafficking survivors. Such services may include:
- Assistance with shelter
- Food, clothing, personal care items
- Transportation assistance
- Job training and ESL classes
- Referral to medical and mental health care services
- Consultation with civil rights attorneys
- Interpretation services
- Safety planning
- Community orientation
- Financial literacy classes
- Connection to refugee services
Advocacy ICS acts as the victim’s primary service provider to the Oregon Human Trafficking Task Force (OHTTF) and advocates on behalf of trafficking victims to law enforcement, legislators, policy makers and other key stakeholders.
Training ICS provides training and technical assistance to other service providers and attorneys on best practices in serving trafficking survivors.
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