Immigration News
By Kieran C. O’ Sullivan; Immigration Counselor
kieran@ipcboston.org
Call: 617-265-5300 Ext. 16
kieran@ipcboston.org
Call: 617-265-5300 Ext. 16
Deferred action stalled temporarily
I’ve had a number of calls this week from people who were anticipating applying for deferred action. As previously reported, a District Court Judge in Texas issued an injunction that stopped the Department of Homeland Security from implementing the deferred action policies announced by President Obama in November. The Department of Justice subsequently asked the courts in Texas for an emergency stay of the injunction. We anticipate that the court process might take some time but remind people that advocates appear confident that the deferred actions announced by President Obama will ultimately go ahead. As soon as we get confirmation on the status of when applications for deferred action will resume, we will publish the news here in the Irish Emigrant and on our website: www.ipcboston.org.
Deferred Action for undocumented parents
If readers know of any undocumented persons with U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident children present in the US since January 1, 2010, please have them get in touch with us for more information on eligibility for deferred action. Information is also available on our site: www.ipcboston.org. Meantime people with queries can email or call us.
USCIS announcement on H visas
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Feb. 24th that, effective May 26, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrant’s who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. DHS amended the regulations to allow these H-4 dependent spouses to accept employment in the United States.
The H-1b is a three year work visa and can be renewed for a second three year term. Many H-1B visa holders pursue legal permanent residency via employment sponsorship while here on H-1B status. People interested in this year’s batch of H-1B visas coming on-stream on Oct 1 will be filing on April 1 as they are allowed do so six months ahead with a start date of Oct. 1. It is anticipated that there will be huge demand. Anyone interested in filing for an H-1B visa is invited to attend our legal clinics for a free consult with one of our attorneys. To have any chance, H-1B hopefuls would need to begin working on their applications with attorneys right away.
Legal Clinic
Our next clinic will be on March 3 at The Banshee, 934 Dorchester Ave. beginning at 6:30 PM. We will have handouts with information on deferred action and attorneys will see people one to one for private confidential consultations.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in it is provided to inform generally, and is not intended as a substitute for individual advice. Immigration law is subject to frequent changes and individual circumstances can affect the application of certain legal provisions. For individual legal advice, please contact the Irish Pastoral Centre directly regarding upcoming legal clinics or consultation with an immigration attorney.
Pastoral News
By Sr. Marguerite Kelly; Pastoral Associate
srmkelly@ipcboston.org
617-265-5300 Ext. 10
Total devotion- Second Sunday of Lent
“I KNOW NOW HOW DEVOTED YOU ARE TO GOD” (Genesis22:12)
In our first reading today, Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son, Isaac, in obedience to a command from God. God does not want Isaac to die; God wants to test Abraham’s obedience and trust. Does Abraham love God with all his heart? As soon as Abraham picks up the sacrificial knife, God stops him. “I know now, God says, “how devoted you are.”
In the gospel, we have another father, another son. Jesus is transfigured before his disciples, and the Father’s voice resounds: “This is my beloved son.” The scene is a turning point: Jesus is about to set out for Jerusalem, where he will lay down his life for us. Jesus’ total gift of himself will be at the same time, the Father’s gift. “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus death will be the Father’s unimaginably great gift to us – the gift of God’s own, deeply loved Son. Looking at Jesus on the cross, each of us can say to God. “Now I know how devoted you are –to me!”
Living with Christ Kevin Perrotta
Senior Notes
Phil O’Sullivan; Senior Program Coordinator
philosullivan@ipcboston.org
Call: 617-265-5300 Ext. 13
Cara Club
With the snow easing up, both the Cara Club in Brighton and Café Eireann in Dorchester were up and running once again. Those who were able to commute to Cara Club witnessed a terrific presentation by Evelyn O’Neill, manager of outpatient exercise programs from with Hebrew Life. Evelyn discussed various exercises that benefit seniors and it was definitely a well-received presentation. Afterwards Kevin O’Sullivan gave a rendition of traditional Irish songs and ensured all members of the club joined in to create a thoroughly enjoyable sing along.
Café Eireann
Café Eireann in Dorchester brought out some brave souls who beat the elements and made it to the coffee morning where there was a very insightful talk from Croan McCormack and Valerie Dunworth from Peace of Mind. Peace of Mind is an Irish owned health care agency with offices in Reading and Jamaica Plain. The seniors showed a lot of interest and asked a lot of inquisitive questions about the services that are provided by Peace of Mind. As always tea and coffee was flowing, despite the cold weather and light dusting of snow it turned out to be a very enjoyable and informative morning.
March Monthly Mass and Luncheon at ICCNE
The IPC’s Monthly Mass & Luncheon will be held on Thursday 19th at 12 noon at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England and following lunch there will be live music. Please RSVP by Friday 13th if you plan to attend this Mass – it is always a very popular event so please call to reserve your spot. It is on a first come first serve basis as the capacity is 175 in the interest of safety and fire regulations. RSVP to 855-479-2472 to book your spot, please leave your name and telephone number. If you cannot attend and you have booked your spot – please call to let us know as we may have a waiting list.
Comments