Hand in Hand, Missio Dei announced it was recently granted federal approval to operate as a Board of Immigration Appeals recognized site. The BIA offers qualified non-profit organizations and individuals accreditation to practice immigration law in a limited capacity by helping immigrants assess their immigration status and eligibility for citizenship, fill out the appropriate forms, file documents with the appropriate agency, represent them before the Department of Homeland Security, and providing follow-up support through the entire process. 

Along with the organization's recognition, three individuals were federally accredited to directly offer legal services. They are Executive Director Thom Nees, Citizenship Coordinator Norma Gallegos, and Case Work Coordinator Edith Zavala.

What started as an initiative led by a dedicated group of volunteers and advocates was formalized in early 2013 through Mission Dei Church of the Nazarene in partnership with World Relief of Spokane. Over the past two years, Hand in Hand has provided education, information, and legal services for more than a thousand individuals in the community under the legal auspices of World Relief. The program focuses on serving immigrants in North Central Washington by walking with them hand in hand through the legal process required to address their unique immigration status problems.

There are approximately 180,000 legal permanent residents in Washington state who currently meet the basic eligibility requirements to become U.S. citizens.

"This comes as an outstanding opportunity for many leaders in different industries in our region to be involved with Hand in Hand as we assist immigrants to embrace and realize the American Dream," said Gustavo Montoya, Board of Directors president. "The program engages their students and clients by emphasizing and demonstrating that U.S. citizenship creates more integration for many immigrants and offers the opportunity to give back, which makes us a more connected and resilient community."

In eastern Washington, there are only six non-profit organizations approved to provide legal services through BIA.

"The process of becoming a BIA-recognized organization is not easy, requiring a generous investment of time and resources, both personally and organizationally," Nees said. "It could not have happened without the support of community partners like World Relief Spokane and the many volunteers that support our cause. With the help of World Relief, our staff, and many dedicated volunteers, Hand in Hand successfully guided and assisted over 800 immigrants over the last year with legal, informational, and educational services consistent with their needs.

“As volunteers, the program has also helped coordinate — in partnership with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) of Yakima — five citizenship ceremonies out in the community with the graceful generosity of local venues in our region, including Pybus Market, Mission Dei Church, Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee, Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, and Holden Village, Chelan." 

The program currently has more than 200 enrolled students in its classes, offered weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Immigration Legal Office is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To volunteer for classes, contact Norma Gallegos at 509-888-4833. Interested in joining the Hand in Hand Board of Directors? Contact Gustavo Montoya at 206-790-8000. For donations or more information on how you can contribute contact Mark Sullivan at 509-668-1070. For general information, contact Thom Nees at 509-630-4438 or visit handinhandmd.org. 

--USA/Canada Multicultural Ministries via NCN News submissions

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