Immigrant Services Program
The Immigrant Services Program (ISP) offers comprehensive services that address our clients’
basic needs, as well as their legal immigration
concerns in order to help them integrate into our community. ISP provides legal advocacy, direct
services, and referrals to refugees and immigrants
who reside in Tompkins County.
The target population for our direct services and
referrals is low-income individuals and families who
are experiencing difficulty accessing community
resources due to cultural and/or language barriers.
We do assist others as staff time is available.
We serve all immigrants and refugees, regardless
of country of origin or religion.
Direct Services and Referrals
- Provide guidance to understand and access community resources
- Refer to adult ESL classes and literacy tutoring programs
- Assist with pre-screening for food stamps and health insurance program eligibility
- Provide help with resume building and assisting in job searches
- Help families access healthcare and childcare
- Refer to domestic violence prevention services
- Assist with DSS applications and appointments
- Refer to citizenship test preparation classes
- Help locate housing and understand leases
- Help parents communicate with teachers and other school personnel
- Assist with interpreting/translating
Legal Immigration Services
Catholic Charities Tompkins/Tioga is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
as an agency that provides low-cost immigration counseling and has the necessary
experience and knowledge relating to immigration law and procedures. Our goal is to ensure
that all individuals and families residing in Tompkins County have access to affordable
immigration-related services. The ISP director is accredited by the BIA to represent clients
in immigration matters before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Through our program, individuals and families that are eligible for immigration benefits, but who cannot afford private attorneys, are provided with low-cost immigration counseling and limited legal representation. Counseling and assistance are available to low-income individuals who have immigration questions or want to apply for immigration benefits. Any immigrant is eligible to receive an immigration consultation, regardless of status, documentation, or national origin. Fees are based on ability to pay. In order to qualify for a reduced rate, we require proof of income.
We are an affiliate of Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) and can assist with various applications and petitions, some of which include:
- Immigration consultations and limited representation
- Family visa petitions
- Adjustment of status/Permanent residency
- Consular processing
- Citizenship/naturalization
- Renewal/replacement of legal permanent resident cards
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitions
- Employment authorization
- Travel documents
Citizenship Initiative Project
With funding from New York State OTDA/BRIA*, the Immigrant Services Program also assists the elderly, low-income individuals, and those receiving public assistance with their naturalization and citizenship applications. These services include:
- Legal consultation
- Pre-screening for citizenship eligibility
- Assistance with completing and filing N-400 Naturalization Application and N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
- Obtaining information regarding selective service, including affidavits
- Preparing fee waiver applications
- Referrals to Tompkins Learning Partners for FREE citizenship classes and/or tutoring that prepare you for the citizenship interview
- Translation of documents required for naturalization applications
Contact Information
Immigrant Services Program
324 W. Buffalo Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel. (607) 272-5062, ext. 11
Fax (607) 272-4427
Email Sue Chaffee, ISP director at schaffee@dor.org