Immigration News
By Kieran C. O’ Sullivan; Immigration Counselor
kieran@ipcboston.org
Call: 617-265-5300 Ext. 16
Deferred Action Information: Feb 3rd Dorchester
On February 3rd, at 6:30 PM, at the Banshee, 934 Dorchester Ave., in Dorchester, we will answer any queries immigrants have on the immigration relief referred to as deferred action. Under President Obama’s plan, deferred action and employment authorization is granted to those undocumented parents if they:
Have continuous residence in the United States since January 1, 2010;
Are the parents of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident born on or before November 20, 2014; and
Are not an enforcement priority for removal from the United States, pursuant to the November 20, 2014, Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants Memorandum.
Based upon previous deferred actions, permission to travel on humanitarian parole was granted only after an application was filed for it and approved. Leaving the U.S. carries great risk if an individual does not consult an experienced immigration attorney.
The Irish Apostolate USA, supported by funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs, has Centers established in many U.S. cities including Boston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Ocean City, Milwaukee, Baltimore, San Diego and Chicago.
The undocumented Irish in the US are invited to call our centers to find out more information on their eligibility for the Deferred Action program. People are urged to participate in this program if they are eligible because the prospects of more comprehensive immigration reform remain bleak at this time.
U.S. Citizenship
An elderly Irish man called me last week with regard to renewing his green card which expires next year. After some discussion, he decided instead to pursue U.S. citizenship as he has been residing here almost 30 years. He should be a U.S. citizen within six months or so, and will be able to avoid paying any fees towards the renewal of this green card. He will be surrendering the card when he is sworn in as a U.S. citizen. The US citizenship application form, Form N400, is available on line free of any charges at the USCIS site: www.uscis.gov.
We will be reviewing U.S. citizenship applications at our Feb. 3rd legal clinic in the Banshee, Dorchester.
Tax filing deadlines
We are already into February so the April 15th tax filing deadline for most people is fast approaching. People have to have their tax returns in order to be eligible for U.S. citizenship.
Deferred Action and Immigration Clinic Feb. 3, 2015.
Our next clinic will be on Feb. 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.
Senior Moments
By Phil O’Sullivan; Senior Program Coordinator
philosullivan@ipcboston.org
Call: 617-265-5300 Ext. 13
Take caution in this weather
As the weather begins to turn extremely cold with hazardous conditions it is very important to stay safe and be prepared for any snowstorms that will be hitting the New England area. Avoid travelling in the snow unless it is a necessity and in the case of an emergency. It is essential to ensure your car is equipped to deal with the snow and always have back up fuel, booster cables etc.
Make sure and stay warm and have a safe alternate heating source with alternate fuels available. Prior to a storm it is important to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies as this can cause serious issues especially during the cold winter months. Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Please stay warm and check regularly on elderly neighbors or those living alone.
Pastoral News
By Sr. Marguerite Kelly; Pastoral Associate
617-265-5300 Ext. 10
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark’s gospel marks the inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry with a scene in which he demonstrates his teaching and his power over an “unclean” spirit. Trying to grasp what they have observed, the gathered crowd describes the particular quality of his teaching: he teaches as “one having authority.” This teaching authority is matched by his authority over evil. The source is identified by an unlikely voice – that of the possessed man, who shouts out: “I know who you are- the Holy One of God!”
Throughout the gospel of Mark, amidst the continual teaching and miracle-working of Jesus, the question lingers: Who is this man? This continues until, at the moment of his death on the cross, another unlikely voice reveals Jesus’ identity: the Roman soldier who sees Jesus die calls out: “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
We can admire the teachings of Jesus. And why not? They have had a major influence on the
western world and much beyond.. We can marvel at the miracles described in the gospels. But do we really grasp and abide in the truth of WHO HE IS? Jesus not merely a “good man” or the “best of men” but the Holy One of God, the Son Of God.
Creighton U. Daily Reflection .Rev. Richard Gabuza
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