Organizations Supporting Immigrants in Austin

Immigration to the United States

Like the rest of the US, Austin, Texas welcomes immigrants from all over the world each year. This has resulted in a unique blend of cultures. The majority of Americans are in America as a result of their forefathers migrating and settling here.

With the ever-changing dynamics of the world in terms of conflict, civil unrest, and drought, more immigrants and asylum seekers have found their way into Austin. This influx of immigrants has necessitated a need for organizations to set up support services for these immigrants and help them settle into their new lives in the U.S.

Unfortunately, the current immigration laws have been criticized for being too strict, especially with immigrants from certain countries. These strict laws have made acquiring visas very hard. But, with the help of an experienced visa lawyer, you can get legal assistance in acquiring a temporary or permanent visa.

How To Help Austin Immigrants

There are plenty of ways an individual can be of great use to assist immigrant families in Austin. Some will prefer to be vocal activists, while others prefer quieter ways. Other ways to help immigrants include:

• Supporting organizations that directly support immigrants in Austin by donating money or volunteering your time and skills
• Speaking out against oppressive immigrant laws and advocating for policy changes that honor the rights of human beings
• Donating your old clothes and books to the immigrant children

Alternatively, you can refer immigrant families to an immigration lawyer in Austin who will provide top-notch legal representation and ease their transition into American society.

Popular Austin Immigration Nonprofits and Charities

Several organizations serve immigrants in Austin, TX, but this list will focus on the most popular and those that serve immigrants in the surrounding areas.

Additionally, this list highlights organizations that assist undocumented immigrants, who make up about a third of Austin’s total immigrant population.

1. The Southwest Key Programs is a nonprofit charitable organization that seeks to promote social service. A key benefit that they offer for immigrants is sheltering underserved immigrant children under 18 years. They work to reunite these children with their parents, guardians, relatives, or sponsors. They also ensure children are safe in their new homes in Austin.
2. American Gateways, a commonly known nonprofit organization, has been helping immigrants since 1987. Apart from championing the human rights of immigrants, American Gateways also provides legal counsel to Austin immigrants.
3. The Refugee And Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) is a nonprofit that mainly provides low-cost legal services to Austin immigrants. This organization focuses on changing the perception of immigration in the US.
4. The Bernardo Kohler Center for Immigration is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income immigrants who are at risk of becoming victims of crimes. In addition to supporting immigrants through the coordination of support programs, the center also assists immigrants seeking asylum or who have been trafficked into Austin.
5. The Diocese of Austin seeks to raise awareness and educate people about respecting every immigrant as a human being. This program focuses on immigrants fleeing religious, economic, and political persecution.
6. Casa Maraniella provides shelter and food to displaced immigrants as part of its nonprofit mission. Legal and medical resources are also available at Casa Marianella for immigrants. Casa Marianella also provides such services to Austin’s homeless population.
7. The Equal Justice Center’s primary goal is to promote fair wage work and treatment for immigrants earning low incomes. Specifically, it helps young immigrants avoid deportation so they can remain productive members of society.
8. The Multicultural Refugee Coalition seeks to provide refugees with fair wages and dignified employment. Multicultural Refugee Coalition offers sustainable farming opportunities for refugees by providing a community garden.
9. The Refugee Services of Texas is a nonprofit organization that helps immigrants who have survived trafficking to settle into the community and become self-sufficient.