Calls for immigration help hits OKC Catholic Charities
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - As deportations pick up in Oklahoma City, the OKC Catholic Charities said they are seeing more and more people reach out to them for help with immigration services.
"We have a huge list," said Director of Immigration Services Melinda Alizadeh-Fard.
Alizadeh-Fard said that they specifically help those in the low-income bracket and victims of crimes.
There have been several families that News 4 has reported on who have had a criminal record from decades ago that they served time for and have since started a family, gotten a job, and obtained a work visa.
Ho Nguyen is one case where he has an illegal gambling charge from the 1990s which he served time. However, he was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month.
Nguyen is now sitting in an ICE facility in Cushing. His family has said they do not know when or where he's headed next, but that they've been told he eventually will be deported to Vietnam, a country he hasn't been to since he was 13 years old.
"He's a good man. He does everything for me. He takes care of the bills, the house, everything for me. He's a very good guy," said his wife, July 11th, when interviewed.
The family said that they reached out to Catholic Charities about some kind of help and are on the waitlist.
Alizadeh-Fard said that even though there is a waitlist, for those who have questions or need help, they can still reach out.
"We do have a list. So, if you think you might be interested, it's best to call now and get yourself in line and see if we can help you or get yourself referred," said Alizadeh-Fard.
The Catholic Charities provides:
- Education and information about U.S. Immigration Law and options through consultations and community outreach.
- Naturalizations and citizenship applications
- Renewals of Permanent Resident cards, aka green cards
- Renewals of Employment Authorization Documents, aka EADs or Work cards
- Adjustment of status applications
- Immigrant visa petitions for immediate relatives of U.S. Citizens
- Visa applications for victims of crimes
If you or a loved one needs their help and has some kind of criminal record, Alizadeh-Fard said that they will do what they can to send you in the direction of help, if they can't.
She also said that it's usually cheaper than most immigration attorneys.
If you are looking for help from them, you can go to their website and call their phone number 405-523-3001.