In the 1990s, thousands of immigrants and refugees arrived in the United States in search of better opportunities for their families, with many working in construction, factories or in the fields. One community took a unique approach in response to the increasing population. In 1997, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, or UNCG, launched a taskforce — Outreach to New North Carolinians. The taskforce believed newcomers should have “greater access to education, medical and social services, and job training.” The taskforce, with support of the university chancellor, made a request to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to establish a center that would aim to address the needs of the community while serving as a resource for the state and other higher education institutions. In 2001, the Board of Governors approved the request and the UNCG Center for New North Carolinians, or CNNC, was born.

For the last 20 years, the CLINIC affiliate has promoted immigrant integration and access to services to immigrants and refugees in the state by “bridging newcomer populations with existing communities through direct service provision, research and training.” When the CNNC was first created, it oversaw three programs. This includes the AmeriCorps ACCESS Project, which provides opportunities for participants to support and help immigrant and refugee communities to receive quality access to social services and become financially self-sufficient. Part of the programs’ mission is to train immigrant and U.S.-born participants in cross cultural education. The second project is the Interpreter ACCESS Project, or IAP, which trains and contracts interpreters to assist newcomers in successfully accessing health and human services. Today, IAP contracts with the Guilford County School District as well as the Cone Health system to provide skilled interpreters. The last core project is the Immigrant Health ACCESS Project, IHAP,  which aims to overcome barriers that prevent immigrants and refugees from receiving adequate health care. The IHAP takes an integrated approach to health care and ensures that uninsured immigrants and refugees receive access to primary care in addition to behavioral and oral care.

While the CNNC utilizes its unique position within the university to leverage its strength and resources to promote immigrant integration in the community, it has made great efforts to establish strong partnerships with local nonprofits to assist in supporting newcomers. “The synergy between local nonprofits, the center and the university allows us to have a greater impact in the community,” said Betsy Jenson, Immigration Services Manager and Interim Co-Director at The Center for New North Carolinians. The center has since expanded and now has eight programs, including the three original projects. In 2014, the CNNC opened its immigration legal services program and currently holds Department of Justice recognition with two partially accredited staff. The center is also a current grantee of the Citizenship and Integration Grant given by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS.

Naturally, the program that consistently allows CNNC staff, volunteers, partners and community members to collaborate is through the three community centers that are conveniently housed in neighborhoods with large immigrant populations. The community centers provide various services, such as English as a second language classes, employment readiness, after-school tutoring, and health and safety classes to name a few. “The community centers serve as a hub and a place where members of the community can come together and connect with resources,” said Jenson.

The CNNC provides a great example of the different ways organizations and institutions can promote immigrant and refugee integration within their organizational structures. The CNNC takes pride in serving as a “model for how institutions of higher education all over the country can mobilize their resources and community partnerships to do the same.” In the future, staff at CNNC hope to provide training for universities and community organizations interested in providing similar services to promote access and integration for newcomers.

CLINIC applauds the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Center for New North Carolinians for paving the way to promote immigrant integration through higher education institutions and beyond.

Share with us your community or organization’s integration initiative for the opportunity to be featured in our next monthly newsletter.

In 2022, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., or CLINIC, launched the CLINIC Action Network, or CAN, to help CLINIC affiliates fully realize the advocacy power of their organizations individually and of our network as a whole!

All CLINIC affiliates interested in raising their organization’s individual voices and engaging in federal advocacy collectively with the full CLINIC network are invited to join. There is no limit on the number of staff members who can join the CLINIC Action Network. 

Our first step is building a communication platform where CLINIC Affiliates and CLINIC’s Advocacy team can share resources, opportunities, action alerts, and discuss advocacy and policy. We will help affiliates build advocacy skills by providing an easy-to-use process. Importantly, the listserv will also allow CLINIC affiliates to interact with each other and build advocacy ties.  

Now is the time to share this information with your organization’s leadership to determine who can authorize your involvement with the CLINIC Action Network. Then, verify who can authorize your organization being listed among those who support a specific “call to action.” Recent examples of “calls to action” include requesting an end to Title 42, improved access to naturalization, request for TPS extensions, and more. 

Think of this service, which is free for affiliates, as a federal advocacy “easy button.” CLINIC’s Advocacy team will be doing the leg work for you — finding relevant topics that matter to you and providing you with a way to sign-on to large-scale efforts in a few easy clicks. By providing specific language to tweet and sharing important sign-on letters with your organization, CLINIC Advocacy becomes YOUR advocacy support system! As a CLINIC affiliate, you will have the resources of one of the most influential nonprofit immigration advocacy teams at your fingertips.

In addition, adding advocacy to your program can also be beneficial when seeking funding opportunities. As a member of the CLINIC Action Network, you will be able to point to specific federal advocacy efforts that your organization has joined through sign-on letters and days of action when you submit applications for grants and funding that involve an advocacy component. Not only do you get the chance to strengthen your advocacy skills, but you also have the chance to strengthen your overall organization by showing an expanded capacity for a new service.

Communication from CAN may include sample language for social media to promote the network or information regarding a specific call to action. We will provide general advocacy resources once a month in the Affiliate Newsletter and on the CLINIC Action Network listserv. We will also keep an open line of communication to hear major federal advocacy concerns from CLINIC affiliates.

Ready to join the CLINIC Action Network? Questions about how this affiliate service will work? Email advocacy@cliniclegal.org with your name, title, and organization to join CAN or request more information. 

There is advocacy power that only resides in the collective. The strength of one voice is amplified with each voice that adds to the chorus. In the coming months, we hope that you find renewed strength in knowing that CLINIC’s Advocacy team will be helping to empower your advocacy efforts and ensure your voice is heard on the issues that are most important to your organization.

Please note that the CLINIC Action Network will only focus on federal administrative advocacy. If you have questions about State and Local Advocacy issues, please contact our State and Local Advocacy Team at StateAndLocalAdvocacy@cliniclegal.org.

Get to know one of the eight National Immigrant Empowerment Project, or NIEP, community organizers that are advocating alongside members of their community and empowering the immigrant community to take the lead in creating long-lasting, positive changes in their cities.

Perla V Aguilar Alvarado, Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico, Las Cruces, N.M.

1. Why do you enjoy working with the immigrant and refugee community?

I enjoy working with the immigrant and refugee community because these people are members of the community with such humble, hard-working, and unity between their people. It is an inspiration to see and motivates me to do this by good will rather than as a job.

2. What inspired you to enter this field of work?

My personal experiences have inspired me to work in this field. I came to the U.S. with my parents when I was five years old and witnessed the struggles my parents experienced. However, I appreciate where we are now. Since becoming a U.S. Citizen (or obtaining legal status), I feel more confident using my voice to advocate for others who have not been able to obtain legal status. The NIEP gives me the tools to help immigrant and refugee communities by providing resources and knowledge on how they can empower each other.

3. In your opinion, what benefits does integration offer your community? What strategies have you found most impactful when promoting integration?

Integration offers a power of unity and amplifies the voices of people, over matters in their communities that have often been ignored. When promoting integration, it is important to openly hear first and act after, to understand community members better. Each community is different, and each person goes through many journeys in life. Once you understand the journey of others, it is helpful to see what contributed to their successful integration whether it is with their community or country. Then you can highlight their experiences and witness their continued journey as they continue to work towards a better life. If we come together to act as one big voice against those many small voices who are trying to mute them, then there will be more change in community.

4. How have community organizing efforts impacted your community?

When one goes into these small communities in New Mexico, there is a sense of exclusion from the rest of the state, as if they been forgotten as part of the state. This makes our job important to include them in information regarding financial aid, resources that would benefit their health and knowledge over legal rights that would protect them around their migratory status.

5. In what ways have immigrants and refugees been involved in grassroots organizing?

Immigrants and refugees have played a crucial role in grassroots movements from the moment they left their home country to build a better life for themselves in the United States. They face obstacles that native-born members do not have to. The immigrant and refugee communities have fought against life challenges to keep their families together, safe, and strong. They have incredible strength and resilience to overcome any additional challenges that come their way, the community will continue to find ways to thrive in their new home.

6. How has the immigrant community been empowered in your community? Why is it beneficial for them to feel empowered?

The immigrant community has been empowered by knowing that there are people out there like Catholic Charities, who are advocating for them and willing to working alongside, educate, and provide them the tools to grow. Throughout the years, the organization has conducted workshops to educate and prepare the community on self-empowerment. Catholic Charities also connects them with partners in our network that will help them be more active in the communities around them. Our legal team is great and offers immigration services that help them build confidence and power to defend themselves and their families. Every act by us, big or small, helps them tremendously in their life and shows us how our contribution has empowered them in their community.

7. Can you briefly explain your project and what changes you are hoping to see over the next few years? What do you hope communities across the country will learn from the National Immigrant Empowerment Project (NIEP), your project specifically?

Our project focuses on empowering immigrant communities through education and resources, while promoting immigrant integration and confidence to address social issues affecting the community. Our goal is also to help the community be self-sufficient, which we hope to do through advocacy, education, and community organizing efforts. Knowledge is a key factor that we focus on, so we provide workshops and classes that will help them learn how to overcome certain barriers in their journey to success. For example, we over ESL classes to the community to address the language barrier. We hope to expand these efforts and include GED workshops and citizenship prep classes.  We want the community to be knowledgeable about their basic rights, so they can protect themselves. Through the NIEP, we hope that communities across the country will see that there is the possibility for change for underprivileged communities of immigrants. 
 

Get to know one of the eight National Immigrant Empowerment Project, or NIEP, community organizers that are advocating alongside members of their community and empowering the immigrant community to take the lead in creating long-lasting, positive changes in their cities.

Nacia Castaneda, SOAR Immigration Legal Services — Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Portland, Oregon

1. Why do you enjoy working with the immigrant and refugee community?

I am passionate about helping families reunite after they have been separated due to their immigration status. My family and I immigrated to the United States, and I know what it is to leave my friends, extended family and my hometown. My immediate family and I have been blessed to be united and support each other as we adapted and continue to adapt in this country. I want to build trust with the immigrant community and create an environment that they feel safe, welcomed, and can openly communicate.

2. What inspired you to enter this field of work?

I am interested in learning more about immigration law and continue to help reunite separated families.  I have always had a strong connection to work with the immigrant and refugee community and help them navigate new processes and systems as they integrate into their new life. I do this by engaging in advocacy efforts, sharing resources, and providing critical services.

I have always thought about creating an opportunity for the community to come together, an event where people can share their cultures, traditions, while celebrating and learning of others. It is common to move to a new place and forget your culture.

3. In your opinion, what benefits does integration offer your community? What strategies have you found most impactful when promoting integration?

Integration creates unity and understanding in our community by working together and respecting each individual’s values and needs. We promote integration by making services and resources easily accessible in English and Spanish. There is still work to be done to be more inclusive of other communities and we are working on addressing that. We host listening sessions with the community to identify their needs and work alongside them to find solutions.

4. How have community organizing efforts impacted your community?

We provide leadership development and trainings to DACA recipients and try to work with other advocates on supporting these efforts. Many DACA recipients have expressed interest in gaining these skills and we are working to being supportive and equipping them with the necessary tools and trainings. Elected leaders currently in office are not very representative of the community, and that is something we are hoping to change in the future. We want to support the growth of DACA recipients through knowledge and opportunities of engagement.

5. In what ways have immigrants and refugees been involved in grassroots organizing?

We participate in an annual advocacy day and have the opportunity to prep DACA recipients to engage with state and local legislators. We also host listening sessions with the community and offer frequent updates to the changing immigration policies. We have also created a safe space for DACA recipients to discuss their challenges, offer support, discuss solutions and assist in guiding through various advocacy efforts.

6. How has the immigrant community been empowered in your community? Why is it beneficial for them to feel empowered?

We have been promoting leadership development to DACA recipients. Dreamers contribute to our community and are productive members of society. We hope to empower them through the NIEP by creating positive change around issues affecting them and the community. We will do this through various trainings and opportunities to practice new learned skills.

7. Can you briefly explain your project and what changes you are hoping to see over the next few years? What do you hope communities across the country will learn from the National Immigrant Empowerment Project (NIEP), your project specifically?

We are working to build trust among DACA recipients and the community while promoting leadership development.  We want to educate communities across the country that DACA recipients can be part of this country and have a sense of belonging in their community and in this country. For many of them, the U.S. is their home. If the community can come together, we can achieve more and come up with solutions that are successful and also permanent.

Get to know one of the eight National Immigrant Empowerment Project, or NIEP, community organizers that are advocating alongside members of their community and empowering the immigrant community to take the lead in creating long-lasting, positive changes in their cities.

Maria Cortez-Perez, Church World Service, Greensboro, N.C.

1. Why do you enjoy working with the immigrant and refugee community? 

I enjoy working for the immigrant and refugee community because part of my mission is to serve the community that I belong to and actively seek justice for our people and the greater community.

2. What inspired you to enter this field of work?

What inspired me was the desperation and impact that anti-immigrant policies that affected me and my community directly as an undocumented individual.

3. In your opinion, what benefits does integration offer your community? What strategies have you found most impactful when promoting integration?

Intersectional work is crucial for community building. People come from all walks of life and each person has something to contribute to our community. However, in order for us to work through our differences we must respect one another and get to know one another. This allows our communities and environments to blossom and promote a welcoming and nurturing village. 

4. How have community organizing efforts impacted your community?

The Greensboro/Triad is a welcoming and inclusive community. Through years of advocacy, local nonprofits and organizations work alongside the Latinx, refugee, and Muslim communities to empower them and provide leadership development, equitable access to health care and other social services. Although we have made great progress over the years, there is still work to be done. 

5. In what ways have immigrants and refugees been involved in grassroots organizing?

Our community leaders have been involved in multiple ways from being vulnerable and sharing their stories, developing leadership skills and lobbying their representatives and educating them about their constituency and their issues. Some community leaders went on to become members of local government committees such as the International Advisory Committee of Greensboro. The immigrant and refugee communities have come together to support the city of Greensboro, for example, in 2018, tornadoes ravished and destroyed residential communities! As a result, Immigrants, the receiving community, and nonprofits came together to clean up and support the impacted neighborhoods.

6. How has the immigrant community been empowered in your community? Why is it beneficial for them to feel empowered?

CWS collaborates with other local organizations to support the resettlement of refugee families into the Triad area. Through these efforts, we work with community leaders that share their stories and inspire others in the community to get involved and engage in organizing efforts. By empowering the immigrant community, they will be inspired to create and pursue their own pathways to success and happiness. Immigrant leaders and other organizations have collectively come together to defend the dignity of our immigrant communities, demand just laws and practices to be in place and hold the administration accountable.

7. Can you briefly explain your project and what changes you are hoping to see over the next few years? What do you hope communities across the country will learn from the National Immigrant Empowerment Project (NIEP), your project specifically?

The project focuses on refugee community organizing. Our goals include empowering the refugee community through leadership development trainings such as storytelling and public speaking workshops, informational sessions on civic engagement and how to be an active citizen in the community, on a local, state and federal level, to name a few. We uplift the voices of the immigrant community and help them build their confidence by affirming their worth and encouraging them to remember who they are and that they do have the power to create a meaningful and fulfilling life alongside others. I think what other communities will realize is the need for active citizenship and communication in order to have nurturing, structured and peaceful communities. We need people from all walks of life to come together as a collective to make tangible changes toward a more humane society that cares about our physical environment, our neighbors and overall world peace. The government works for the constituents of communities, we have the power to select who represents us, therefore the government does not have the last say nor should it dictate the trajectory of a population.  This work is continuous, and it will be an ongoing effort for everyone in their respective communities to engage in change and create a home that is welcoming and inclusive. We can no longer harm one another for our differences.