THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BOSTON
Sarah Alexander from the International Institute of Boston (IIB) recently
outlined their programs for immigrants and refugees at a meeting of the OB social workers
from the MGH and MGH Health Centers. Some of the services provided are outlined below.
The Immigration Law Clinic provides a half-hour consultation for $25 for any immigrant or refugee,
including the undocumented. They do not report information about undocumented peo-ple to the INS.
Ms. Alexander stressed that many people get information (often incomplete or misinformation) from
peers or unscrupulous people who will take advantage of immigrants' vulnerability. Consultation
with an IIB lawyer can help clients determine the best way to proceed and get a referral for legal
representation if required. This service is offered every Thursday starting at 9 a.m. on a
first-come/first-served basis and two Saturdays a month (call for dates). They do not provide legal
representation. Spanish translation is always available, those needing other languages should bring
their own translator. Please advise clients that some of the information required by INS is of a
sensitive nature so they should choose their interpreter accordingly. If an immigrant is a possible
asylum candidate they can receive free advice and referral to free legal representation for asylum.
Please note that this clinic is not able to help with other issues such as disability, family law,
or employment-based or student visas.
Employment and Job Training programs (for those authorized to work in the U.S.).
IIB provides a training program and translation services during the job application process and
transition into the new job. They then offer on-going support and serve as liaisons between the
employer and employee as needed. The Hotel Industry Job Training Program is a 6-week program
with 4 weeks of classroom instruction in vocational English, job seeking skills, orientation to
the hotel industry, life skills, workplace safety, customer service skills and more. This is
followed by 2 weeks of intensive, "hands-on" training and observation in a local hotel.
ESL services are available, with some limitations on eligibility. IIB specializes in teaching
those whose native language uses a non-roman alphabet, and those who are not literate in their
native language. There has been a huge problem citywide with waiting lists for ESL classes.
The city of Boston has recently released some money for ESL so this might be loosening shortly.
Call for more information.
IIB also provides Citizenship Support Services such as information sessions, lessons within a
drop-in study center and citizenship group processing.
The Family Conflict Prevention Program offers education, counseling, advocacy and other
social service help to newcomer families to help prevent domestic violence.
What follows is a simplification to explain the general concepts involved. An immigrant is
one who comes to this country usually sponsored by a family member or employer or under a lottery
system for the quota allowed annually from the country of origin. Immigrants are expected to be
able to financially support themselves pretty much immediately upon entry into the country.
Refugees are those who have been the victim of, or fear, persecution in their native country
and have been certified by the United Nations Commission for Human Rights as a refugee. These
people are generally housed in refugee camps and then matched with a resettlement agency in the
U.S. who takes responsibility for the initial transition and connecting them with appropriate
services. Asylees are those who have been the victim of or fear persecution in their native
country, but make their way to the U.S. and once here apply for Asylum. These folks may be
detained here in prison while a decision is made. Refugees and Asylees are able to access federal
supports for the first 7 years after entry into the U.S., after which time they are expected
to be financially independent. For more detail about what services/programs different groups
can access, please see the MGH Community News April 2001
("Immigrant Access to Public Benefits"), available on the department's website.
Tip: The International Institute is listed in IRis and can be looked up by name under
"Programs" or under many keywords including: ESL services, Immigrant Services, Job Training,
Legal Services, Naturalization Services and Refugee Services.
"IMMIGRANT", "REFUGEE" AND "ASYLEE" DEFINED
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