Immigration to this country began with the Spanish in the 16th century and the English in 1607, crowding out American Indigenous peoples. Later immigrants faced resistance from the descendants of earlier colonizers as they began to have a profound impact on the identity and growth of the country. America’s promise of a new life in a free country still draws hundreds of thousands of immigrants each year. However, American immigration tradition and policy continue to be hotly debated and are often the target of harmful ideologies and policy changes.
- American Psychological Association: Resource guides and information about the mental health needs of immigrants, working with immigrant origin clients, and the effects of some policies on immigrant mental health.
- Immigration Research Library: A free collection of contemporary U.S. immigration reports, briefs, fact sheets, infographics, news and events. The Library hosts (with links to original sources) more than 1,500 U.S. immigration research reports with simple, straightforward abstracts drawn from respected universities and research institutes from across the country.
- Know Your Rights: Resources and information for immigrants of any status, from the Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition.
- MA State Unemployment Benefits for Non-US Citizens
- National Archives: The national archives include many historical immigrant records from the 1700’s through the early 2000’s.
- Northeast Legal Aid: assistance with Adjustment of Status, Asylum applications, Consular Processing, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Employment authorization, family-based petitions, Habeas Corpus, NACARA, Naturalization/Citizenship, Removal hearings, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T visas, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U visas, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions; help completing forms, Filings with USCIS, representation at Asylum Interviews (Credible Fear Interviews, Reasonable Fear Interviews), Representation before the Immigration Court, Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), Federal court appeals. Offices include locations in Lowell and Lawrence.
- Student Aid: Federal student aid guidelines for non-citizens.
- United States Citizenship & Immigration Services: If you need an immigration or citizenship form printed, the library will print your first copy of the form for free. (We offer the same service for tax forms as well!). Learn more about how USCIS defines refugee and asylum status and work authorization.
- Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights: Provides holistic health care coordinated with social services and legal aid for asylum seekers, refugees, survivors of torture, and their families.
- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston: Offering resettlement, interpreter, and legal services to refugees. Also offers ESOL classes.
- Dignity In Asylum: Located in Concord, MA, DIAS was founded to offer free housing and community support to people seeking asylum. Apart from a room for each supported asylum seeker, they also provide daily meals, transportation to lawyers’ and doctors’ appointments, and English classes.
- Found In Translation: Providing opportunities for low-income bilingual women to gain financial stability using their language skills. Also offering interpreter services, especially in healthcare.
- International Institute of New England: Supports refugees and immigrants through advocacy, resettlement, education, career advancement, and pathways to citizenship.
- Jewish Vocational Services: Offers ESOL and employment services for refugees and immigrants.
- Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
- Office for Refugees and Immigrants: MA State’s official office, offering citizenship services and resources for refugee and immigrant populations.
- Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center Boston: Provides comprehensive services to refugees, asylees, and immigrants as well as the larger community. These services include refugee resettlement, asylee case management, counseling, outreach, education, and other social services.
- Refugee Immigration Ministry: An interfaith community-based organization that serves asylum seekers in MA.
- Unafraid Educators: An organizing committee of the Boston Teachers Union working to support undocumented and immigrant students and families. They organize political action campaigns, facilitate professional learning for educators, and administer the Unafraid Scholarship for Boston students.
- Dream.us: Support services and scholarships for dreamers seeking a college education.
- Office of Refugee Resettlement: National office for resettlement services. An office of the Administration for Children & Families. Access government resettlement programs and resources online.
- United We Dream: A youth led, national organization fighting for justice and dignity for immigrants and all people.
- USA Hello: USA Hello is a free online center for information and education for refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and welcoming communities.