Information about Immigration Court
USCIS Information
COVID-19 is now impacting us here in Kitsap County. We want to let you know that in these times of uncertainty, the safety and health of our clients, volunteers, staff, and the wider community are our highest priorities.
KIAC’s response to this unprecedented occurrence is guided by our ongoing commitment to our mission—to work for the well-being and empowerment of immigrants though education, advocacy and social justice. At the same time, we know that it is more important than ever to work together as an entire community.
With these thoughts in mind, KIAC has taken the following steps:
- We
are making client education and informational resources about COVID-19 a
top priority, using guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf Washington State Department of Health https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus and the Kitsap Health District. https://kitsappublichealth.org/CommunityHealth/CoronaVirus.php
- We are working to fast-track our capacity to reach clients via texting in order to better and more efficiently serve and inform
- In
order to do our part to “flatten the curve” as is being recommended by
the CDC and health experts across the country, our office is closed
except in the limited circumstances noted below. Staff and volunteers
are working from home and conducting business as usual, utilizing email,
phones and video conferencing
- For
Family Services, we will assist clients via video and phone
conversations as much as possible, with in-person appointments as
necessary with healthy individuals.
- We
are taking responsible steps to insure the health and safety of clients
and staff who come into the office. This includes initial screening for
COVID-19 symptoms; asking clients to wash their hands before being
seen; serving clients only in the Family Services lobby and office,
without access to the rest of the office; limiting the number of people
allowed in the waiting area at one time in order to allow for
recommended personal space; and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing in
between clients and at the end of the day
- Legal
clients and Tax clients are being offered video and phone
consultations. A plan is in place to keep in touch with Accredited
Representatives and tax volunteers and to keep current with all
deadlines and office procedures. We are working with USCIS, ICE and the
Immigration Court to make sure all our clients’ due process rights are
protected.
- Tax extensions will be offered to tax clients
We may need to call on you for financial, volunteer or advocacy support
during this time. There will be an immediate impact placed on KIAC’s
resources to help with client needs. We know that the ramifications of
COVID-19 will hit our clients very hard—immigrants will be among the
most vulnerable population during this crisis. Many of our clients lack
health insurance, paid sick days, child-care, and language skills to
navigate complex and constantly shifting recommendations. Many are
likely to lose their jobs.
From its beginnings, KIAC has been committed to the well-being of
immigrants, and we stand ready to help during this crisis. We are so
grateful to our friends for standing with us.
With gratitude,
Sally Tellekson
Executive Director, Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center
Althea Paulson
Board President
Annika Turner
Family Services Director
Ray Garrido
Legal Services Director
