The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants and the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition are seeking non-immigration attorneys to volunteer in upcoming clinics over the next few months to help Haitian immigrants living at shelters throughout Massachusetts apply for "Temporary Protected Status" (TPS) and work permits. Haiti has been designated as a TPS country due to ongoing armed conflict, violence and natural disasters that make it unsafe for Haitian nationals to return to their home country. TPS provides temporary lawful status and eligibility for work authorization for Haitian immigrants currently living in the United States.
Most Haitians currently living at temporary shelters in Massachusetts are eligible for TPS and work authorization, which will allow them to leave the shelters, obtain employment and become self-sufficient. Volunteering at these clinics will provide attorneys an opportunity to develop some familiarity with immigration law and help individuals and families who have sought safety in the United States and who are entitled to lawful status.
Attorneys will receive a one-hour virtual training prior to the clinic. No prior experience is required. Individuals will have already been screened for eligibility, and their applications will have been started during the preregistration process. At the clinic, attorneys will review several pages of the TPS application and assist with work permit applications. Experienced immigration attorneys will be on site to assist and answer any questions. Volunteers can sign up for morning, afternoon or full-day shifts.
The first set of clinics is being held daily from Sept. 30 through Oct. 10 in Randolph. Volunteers can sign up for morning, afternoon or full-day shifts here.
The remaining clinics will be in Boston/the North Shore (starting Oct. 28) and Springfield (starting mid-October). Attorneys can sign up for these clinics by filling out the general interest form, and they will be contacted directly with additional information:
For additional information or to ask questions, contact Wendy Wayne at wwayne@southendstrategies.com.