Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) has developed this plan to help local communities prepare and plan for immigration enforcement actions by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division. The plan sets forth the key functions that communities should consider implementing before, during, and after an enforcement action.

This manual describes best practices used by many of the country's most experienced nonprofit immigration programs and managers.

How do you create support to expand your charitable immigration program?  How do you help your agency director and board of directors better understand the need for charitable legal immigration services?  How do you become a catalyst for legalization planning before a bill passes?  

Refugees naturalize at a higher rate than other,  non-refugee immigrants, yet they often face serious challenges in the naturalization process due to advanced age, disabilities, low income, limited English proficiency, and low levels of literacy.  Refugees also face challenges to civic participation such as language and  cultural barriers, unfamiliarity with U.S. civic institutions, and reluctance to get involved in community affairs due to negative experiences in their native countries.

This guide gives service providers the information needed to address the resettlement needs

How much do you know about immigration law?

Learn more about the state of immigration law and immigration law terminology,

then test yourself with a true/ false quiz.

Does your nonprofit agency want to develop a legal immigration program, but lack attorneys on staff or the money to hire them?

Does your nonprofit agency want to continue providing legal immigration services, but avoid engaging in the unauthorized practice of law? 

The United States is a nation of immigrants united by a common creed and shared values. With 37 million foreignborn residents, the United States’ strength and vitality depends on the contributions of its newest members. However, the integration of a population of this magnitude and diversity cannot be assumed.