Citizenship & Immigration near
The Afghan Resource Center offers practical information and resources for newly arriving Afghans to the USA. Find help for every status including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), refugees, and people with humanitarian parole.
This Resource Center is also translated in Persian/Dari and Pashto.
FindHello app
Search in your community for immigration services, healthcare, English classes, and more.
Immigration
Learn about US immigration for Afghan nationals. Information on benefits and social services, family reunification, green cards, and more.
Jobs in the USA
Learn how to find US jobs for Afghan evacuees. Tips on how to apply for jobs in America. Starting a job search, creating your resume, and more.
Life in the USA
Adjusting to life in the US for Afghan evacuees. Information on learning to drive, finding a home, getting child care, and moving to a new city.
American culture
Find a guide to American culture for Afghan evacuees. Get tips on how to communicate with people in America. Understand LGBTQ rights.
U.S. Law
Find information on US laws for Afghan evacuees. Learn what to do if you are threatened and how to interact with the police.
Money
Information on how to use and manage money for Afghan evacuees in the US. Learn how to open a bank account, send money internationally, and more.
Health
Find information about US healthcare for Afghan evacuees. Learn about COVID-19, going to a doctor, how to improve mental health, and more.
Notice
The hotline has been temporarily suspended.
The Canopy hotline aims to connect migrants to community resources throughout the United States to ensure their basic necessities have been met.
Our Canopy staff have diligently searched for community resources and agencies that aim to serve the migrant population throughout their entire process. At the same time, they await their case when they receive status and when they are adjusted into the United States.
Connect with:
- Medical Care
- Dental Care
- Mental Health
- Reproductive Health
- Shelter
- Employment Assistance
- GED Preparation
- ESL Classes
- Food Pantry
- Clothing Banks
- Rent Assistance
- Utility Assistance
Assistance with:
- Finding local WIFI
- School Registration
- Transportation
- Locating Detainees
- Safety Planning
- Other Educational Resources
IDRA and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Antonio are partnering to help Mexican and Mexican American families navigate the U.S. education system and learn about important educational opportunities in both countries. The program, called Ventanilla de Orientación Educativa (VOE), provides information on the civil rights of immigrant and English learner students, local educational services, and resources on how to access and succeed in college. The VOE also disseminates information on educational opportunities offered by the Mexican government for nationals abroad and develops various courses for immigrant parents.
Examples of VOE Services & Information include:
- How to approach U.S. K-12 and higher educational institutions
- How to apply for financial aid in the United States (including FAFSA & TAFSA)
- Information on resources for adult and community education in Spanish
- Opportunities to continue studying if you return to Mexico
- The rights of immigrant students to attend public school
- The rights of English learners to an equal educational opportunity
- Online educational opportunities in Mexico for students in the United States
Free
Student Programs
IDRA’s student programs demonstrate our core values that recognize the assets all students bring and that listen to students and engage them both in their own learning and in their leadership to transform schools and communities.
- Valued Youth Partnership
- VisionCoders
- Youth Advisory Board
- Youth Leadership Now
- IDRA Youth TechXPerts™
- MAS for Our Schools
- IDRA Digital Ambassadors
- More Student Research & Activism
Click here to learn more about each program.
Free
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
The Ventanilla program represents a new integral part of service delivery at the Mexican Consulate and provides Mexican immigrants who are new to the U.S. financial system with access to vital resources for getting banked, gaining access to free tax preparation and the Earned Income Tax Credit, establishing credit and building a secure financial future within the trusted and culturally relevant setting of the Consulate strengthening the financial stability of immigrant households by embedding financial empowerment strategies into local and intergovernmental infrastructure.
To learn more about Ventanilla de Asesoria Financiera click here.
Ventanilla De Salud (VDS), in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate, provides health education and health service referrals to the San Antonio immigrant community. The objective of the VDS is to improve access to primary and preventive health services, increase coverage in public insurance and promote a culture of health prevention for Mexicans living in the United States. In addition, VDS can provide information on educational, legal, and financial guidance.
You can also make your inquiry by email at [email protected] or by phone at (210)956-6943, (210) 227-9145 ext. 3626, or from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at (210) 433-9922 ext. 235.
VDS operates at the Consulate of Mexico.
by San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD)
This course prepares students to take the U.S. Citizenship test and prepares them to answer History and Government Questions, Personal questions, and Writing Questions.
Click here for eligibility and other details.
Register in-person at: Margarita Huantes Learning Center, 1411 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207
Adult Education Main Office, 906 Merida St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Free.
This 6-week class is taught in English to help adults prepare for the U.S. Citizenship interview. Each applicant must complete an interview in English, which will test the applicant's ability to read, write, and speak English and test their knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Adults 18+ who are preparing to take U.S. Citizenship interview.
Free.
by San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD)
This course prepares students to take the U.S. Citizenship test and prepares them to answer History and Government Questions, Personal questions, and Writing Questions.
Register in-person at: Margarita Huantes Learning Center, 1411 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Adult Education Main Office, 906 Merida St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Click here for eligibility and other details.
This course prepares students to take the U.S. Citizenship test and prepares them to answer History and Government Questions, Personal questions, and Writing Questions.
Register in-person at: Margarita Huantes Learning Center, 1411 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Adult Education Main Office, 906 Merida St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Click here for more information.
Free.
Suppose you or a loved one is seeking an immigration waiver or filing to petition a judge to grant a suspension of deportation. In that case, a clinical evaluation can help strengthen your case. Four types of immigration waivers can benefit from a clinical mental health evaluation:
- Extreme Hardship Waivers (I-601)
- U-Visa (Victims of Crime)
- Violence Against Women Act (VAWA-Domestic Violence)
- Political Asylum
Understanding that each individual’s experience is unique, a safe environment is provided to help the client report any underlying circumstances to help present a compelling case. My personal experience attending St. Mary’s University allowed me to meet peers from across the globe. Traveling throughout Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East further reinforced my admiration and respect for other cultures and faiths.
I am privileged to have worked on evaluations for people from Mexico, Central & South America, China, and India. As a bilingual clinician licensed by the Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, I am also a graduate of the Immigration Evaluation Institute.
Click here for payment information
Justice for All Immigrants provides low-income individuals and families with affordable, high-quality immigration legal services while engaging in immigration education and advocacy.
Legal Services Offered:
Family Based Immigration:
- Adjustment of Status
- Consular Processing
- Family Petitions
- Work Permits
- Green Card Renewals
Humanitarian Based Relief:
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- Violence Against Women Act
- U Visa
- Asylum
- Removal Defense
- Temporary Protected Status
Citizinship:
- Citizenship
- Naturalization
We also provide Know-Your-Rights training to help immigrants understand their basic rights under U.S. law, educate our community about the value of immigration, and advocate for compassionate immigration reform.
Call to schedule a consultation.
To qualify for this service, the individual or family must reside in South Texas and be a low-income household.
Citizenship Education:
The Nuevos Ciudadanos Citizenship Education Program is Academia América’s New Americans Project. The Program has the dual goals of integration and civic engagement. The curriculum, which includes modules in Civics, History, and English, facilitates preparation for the naturalization examination and promotes civic engagement. Financial Literacy education emphasizes social integration.
Legal Services:
Academia América partners with nonprofit legal assistance providers to facilitate access to low-cost legal services for our clients. Students enrolled in our classes receive discounted assistance with completing the naturalization application and related forms.
Please call 210-910-6363 or visit our Facebook page for registration information.
by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio
The employment services program provides job readiness skills, lessons on interviewing and assists with employment services and job placements. The employment team works with refugees to provide them skills and knowledge necessary in obtaining, and maintaining, employment, while becoming self-sufficient.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio
Federally funded, cash assistance program which provides services to enable clients to become economically self-sufficient within 120 to 180 days in the United States. Services required under this program include case management, employment services and cash allowance.
At least one member of the household must be employable for the family to qualify for Match Grant Program and must be enrolled within 31 days of their arrival.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio
The initial program for all newly arrived refugees resettling into the United States.
Services include:
- Airport Pick up
- Apartment set up with furnishings.
- Food
- Clothing
- Cultural Orientation
- School Registration
- English Classes
- Health Screenings
Newly arrived refugees.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a state-funded, employment-based cash assistance program for newly arrived refugees for the first 12 months of arrival.
RCA is for clients who are not eligible for assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
For additional information please call 210-222-1294 and speak with the program director, Juliana Horn.
This program is for REFUGEES ONLY.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio
Refugee School Impact provides after-school tutoring to refugee children to support academic success and promotion to the next grade level.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
Thousands of unaccompanied children cross the border to the United States from Central America each year and are transferred to the custody of ORR. ORR promptly places these children in the least restrictive setting in the best interest of the child. St. PJ's is an approved ORR shelter.
The majority of unaccompanied children are between 13 and 17 years of age; a larger proportion are boys. This group is very diverse: it also includes pregnant girls and a growing proportion of elementary school-age children. In U.S. procedural documents, these children are referred to as “unaccompanied alien children".
Licensed short-term emergency shelter providing services for up to 82 international children and youth ages 5 to 17. International children who reside at St. PJ's are provided care in compliance with all regulatory agencies.
St. PJ's also provides temporary foster care homes for international children ages 0 to 12.
Free if you meet the criteria
Rays of Freedom is a non-profit with the main goal of helping meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of immigrants facing deportation, breakup of families, loss of employment and other disruptive effects of new and anticipated government policy changes by providing low cost immigration application services.
Services offered:
- Family Petitions
- Adjustment of Status/ Counselor Processing
- Citizenship
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Temporary Protective Status (TPS)
- Asylum Credible Fear Interviews
Click here to book your FREE immigration assessment.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
The SAISD Adult Education Literacy (AEL) program embraces success for all adult learners, helping them define what success means to them in order to guide them on a path toward continued improvement and growth. The program’s mission is to ensure that all adults who live in Texas have the skills necessary to function effectively in their personal and family lives, in the workplace and in the community.
The SAISD Adult and Community Education program offers the following classes at over 23 locations throughout San Antonio, Monday through Thursday and on Saturday (morning and evenings).
Register in-person at: Margarita Huantes Learning Center, 1411 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Adult Education Main Office, 906 Merida St., San Antonio, TX 78207.
Services offered under the Adult Education are FREE of charge to the community and include the following:
- ASE/GED preparation
- ABE/ASE/GED for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
recipients. - Adult Basic Education in English & Spanish (Math, Reading and Writing).
- English as a Second Language (ESL).
- English Literacy Civics (EL Civics)/Citizenship.
- Preparation for post-secondary education and training (Transitions).
- Distance Learning (online classes).
New classes:
- IT Fundamentals+ Certification
- Basic Computer Skills Certification
Specialized services include:
- IET career training combined with workforce preparation and academic support.
- Integrated EL CIVICS (ESL/EL CIVICS/Career Training)
- Employer partnerships: Contextualized TXCHSE or ESL based on employer needs.
Some fees may apply. Contact for more details.
Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
The Presentation Ministry Center offers culturally appropriate educational opportunities for holistic development and community building, embodying the spirit of Nano Nagle. As mentioned earlier, the Center is primarily dedicated to meeting the needs of the immigrant community. The classes offered are in response to the requests of our participants.
Our programs:
- Culture Immersion
- English as a Second Language
- GED
- Citizenship & Civics Preparation
- Holistic Connections to Community Resources
- Entreprenurial Series
- Computer Literacy
- Giving Back to the Community
No requirements.
Instruction is free. There may be a cost for materials, depending upon the class.
- Computer Skills Classes
- Free Computer Use
Our Economic Empowerment program promotes financial security for families through small business training, financial counseling, and access to financial resources.
Services Include:
- Financial Empowerment: financial literacy, debt relief, budgeting, and individual financial counseling.
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Ventanilla de Asesoría Financiera: Assistance to newcomers to gain access to banking, legal, and financial resources.
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Workshops: Training for self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
Our Racial Justice Education and Advocacy program’s primary goal is to support our community by providing the following services and products.
Comprehensive and customizable training and summits addressing the barriers faced by women of color:
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Providing advocacy and education to all community members.
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Racial Justice Virtual Library is an online, easily accessible compilation of articles, books, and podcasts with the purpose of educating and supporting community members who are interested in learning more about racial justice and advocacy.
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Racial Justice Toolkit and consultation is designed to assist professionals in successfully navigating multicultural settings and interactions in the workplace.
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Community collaborations focused on supporting communities of color and assisting in bringing about awareness and barriers.
The YWCA Olga Madrid Center is a multi-purpose center that is the literal hub of the community, reaching multiple generations in the same families. The Center reflects the community's culture and offers essential services with dignity and respect.
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
We provide the following services, primarily to low-income and needy new arrivals to the US:
- Employment Authorization
- Consular Processing
- Visas
- Family Petition
- Green Card
- Translations
- Interpreter
- English Class
- Spanish Class
- Naturalization or citizenship
- Orientation workshops and introductions
- Notary
- And more
The work of the Secretariat for Mission in the fields of Life, Justice, and Peace focuses on issues such as abortion and post-abortion healing, assisted suicide, the death penalty, human trafficking, homelessness, poverty, immigration, foster care, healthcare, religious freedom, and environmental justice, aiming to develop an authentic human ecology for the communities of San Antonio.
To build a culture of life, justice, and peace in our communities and beyond. The Archdiocese offers educational and formational lectures, information, and resources on the Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching. We assist in building and sustaining strategic leadership in parishes and with community partners through training, advocacy, prayer, and service.
At Global Refuge, we believe everyone should be welcomed with dignity and open arms.
Welcome Centers serve as a one-stop shop for newcomers—a place where families can walk in the door and access the services and support they need. The Welcome Center strives to provide services that result in long-term self-sufficiency for every client served and does this by providing robust and culturally inclusive programming.
The San Antonio Welcome Center provides protection-centered, trauma-informed case management, and connections to essential community resources.
Our work touches the lives of refugees and immigrants in San Antonio, helping them find meaningful careers and welcoming communities. Accompanying New Americans on their journey is part of what we call “the long welcome”.
How We Serve
- Integration upon Arrival
- Cash Assistance
- Employment Assistance
- General Case Management
- Intensive Case Management
- Refugee Medical Assistance
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
The Mother Teresa Center serves as a beacon of hope for refugees, providing vital support and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.
Services include:
- food pantry
- clothes closet
- case management
- legal services
- resettlement services
- workforce development
- life skill training
Eligibility for All Refugee Resettlement Programs:
- Must be legally admitted to the US as a refugee, asylee, Cuban entrant, victim of human trafficking, or other population deemed eligible by the US Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement.
- Must be within the Office of Refugee Resettlement's five-year eligibility period (from the date of arrival in the US/date of asylum certification).
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) is available to persons who worked with the US Armed Forces as an interpreter or translator in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
Vitality Life Counseling of San Antonio can provide:
- Extreme Hardship Cases
- Spousal Abuse (VAWA) Cases
- Political Asylum Cases
- U Visa Cases
- T Visa Cases
- Cancellation of Removal Cases
Click here for more information
In-depth Psychosocial Evaluations: base fee $1,200
Click here to learn about our payment plan
Assistance with basic needs, such as clothing, household items, furniture, food, and referrals to other local social services.
This program is for REFUGEES ONLY.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |
CRS provides practical English classes for adults to help newly arrived refugees navigate their new homes. Lower levels include greetings, basic conversational language structures, the calendar, numbers, and health, emphasizing vocabulary building.
Higher units of study include vocabulary for everyday needs, such as words needed in the grocery store, bank, post office, or doctor’s office, and how to navigate housing and transportation.
This program is for legally resettled refugees.
Eligible students pay a $10 supply fee each term.
Please call ahead to find out dates and hours for ESL classes.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
Saturday: CLOSED |
Sunday: CLOSED |