Catholic Social Services Immigration Legal Services
“Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.”
Caritas in Veritate (“Charity in Truth”), Pope Benedict XVI, 2009, #62. (Citing from Cf. Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, Instruction Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi (3 May 2004))
Pope Benedict’s words about the obligations all of us must protect the basic human rights of undocumented immigrants live and breathe in the Immigration Legal Services Department at CSS Philadelphia.
Catholic Social Services Helps Immigrants to the United States
Upon arrival in the United States, immigrants face a daunting array of linguistic, economic, cultural and legal challenges. Through immigration legal services, newcomers receive high-quality legal consultation, referral, and representation for an array of immigration benefits, such as political asylum, naturalization, and family reunification.
Guided by our mission to provide comprehensive, high quality, low-cost Legal Services to those in our community most in need, the department serves families and individuals in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and within the authority of the USCIS Philadelphia District Office and the Philadelphia Immigration Court.
The driving motivation behind the Immigration Services Department emanates from our passionate team, and their dedication to furthering the goals of Catholic Social Services, to promote family unity and contribute to the culturally diverse society of our region.
Catholic Social Services Immigration Expertise
The freelance strategic specialists team
Currently, the staff is comprised of one attorney, 3 Department of Justice Accredited Representatives, and a full-time office administrator. The staff is ably supported by the ten volunteers that are part of the volunteer program started in 2021. Three of the current volunteers have been with the program since it’s commencement.
The Immigration Services Department has been promoting awareness in a variety of different outreach efforts, including presentations for Haitian asylum seekers, Facebook Live events with the Mexican consulate, and local programming via the Philatinos radio programs. Currently, the group is organizing a full docket of events for 2022 to continue to support the goals and endeavors of Philadelphia’s immigrant population.
Immigration Legal Services Provided by Catholic Social Services
In addition to these valuable services and programs, the Immigration Services staff also invests considerable time in Pro Bono efforts. The team completed forty applications for Humanitarian parole for families of Afghans that have also helped and supported many members of our US military. The team has also provided pro bono consultations for recently paroled Haitians who are dealing with deportation proceedings, giving them the tools, they need to be accurately and fairly represented.
A comprehensive list of services include:
- Naturalization and Citizenship
- Family-Based Petitions
- Adjustment of Status to Permanent Residence
- Consular Processing
- Waivers of Inadmissibility
- Employment Authorization
- Travel Authorization
- Replacement/ Renewal of Green Card
- Religious Worker Visas
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Relief for Victims of Serious Crimes (U and T Visas)
- Relief for Victims of Domestic Abuse (VAWA)
- Asylum Deportation/Removal Proceedings
- Representation before the Immigration Court
- Representation before the Board of Immigration Appeals
- Representation before the Third Circuit Courts of Appeal
“We are directed by the moral and ethical stands that demand we treat each client with respect and dignity,” says Kristin Taranath, the Immigration Services team’s Administrator. “Our expertise and experience provide maximum results for all clients regardless of religious or ethnic backgrounds and provide for the continued growth and cultural development of Philadelphia.”
To access or find out more about CSS Philadelphia’s Immigration Services, click here:
