For a Better Future

Dear IRLC Community,

In this month of Thanksgiving, I want to express my gratitude for the IRLC community. I continue to be amazed on a regular basis by all that we are able to accomplish. In the last year we served well over 300 clients. We currently have 250 open cases, representing clients from more than 70 countries. Representation is critical; studies have shown that 95% of successful immigration court cases have representation.

Client Spotlight: Shemmica

Shemmica is from Jamaica and has been living in the U.S. for over 20 years as a Legal Permanent Resident. Shemmica contacted IRLC because her green card was expired. She has health issues that have made it difficult to work. She also has 3 children to support, ages 8, 11, and 16. She could not afford to pay the USCIS fees or to pay an attorney to renew her green card.

IRLC applied for Shemmica’s green card renewal, along with documents to request a fee waiver and to explain why the green card was not renewed on time. Shemmica’s green card was approved in late October, and she is now working. Shemmica states: “Thank you so much for helping me. I was really going through a hard time not working and couldn't afford to renew my green card. I really appreciate you.”

Community Engagement: Get to Know Us Event

Thank you to John and Jen Stein and Simon Svirnovskiy for hosting a "Get to Know Us" Happy Hour at Cafe Alma. John Stein, IRLC Board Member, shared why he was involved with the organization and why you should get involved as well. Julie Leftwich, Executive Director, shared some of the many successes and stories of resiliency of current and past clients, while detailing the ongoing challenges and the needs of refugees and immigrants. Board Member Simon Svirnovskiy also shared his experience as a refugee from Belarus and why he is so passionate about IRLC’s work.

The evening raised approximately $3,000 to support IRLC’s services.

If you are interested in hosting a “Get to Know Us” event with your friends and family, please contact Julie Collinsworth at jcollinsworth@irlawcenter.og

Community Engagement: Diálogos with Ballet Hispánico

On Saturday, October 29, 2022 Mutual Arts hosted "Diálogos" (conversations) with Ballet Hispánico at the Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers in Hartwell. They invited IRLC and other key community partners to discuss the impact of immigrant artists on our communities. Although the focus was on immigrant art and how to amplify those voices, the conversation eventually turned to the big elephant in the room - immigration and the status of foreign born artists. There is definitely a need in the artistic immigrant/refugee community for IRLC's legal services so that all individuals can feel invited to tell their stories through their art without fear of not being paid or worse, deportation.

Save the Date: February 23, 2023

IRLC 5th Anniversary Party

Make sure to connect your Kroger Rewards and Amazon Smile with IRLC!