Dealing with immigration matters is already complicated. When one does not speak English, the situation becomes even more difficult. It is no wonder that many immigrants seek help from lawyers who speak Portuguese. However, there are not many in New York. But residents of the area have just gained another option, the Imigra Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at assisting immigrants in their integration into American society by offering, among other services, legal assistance in the area of immigration.
Recently founded by Brazilian Kelly Fontoura, American Peter Traub, and Ukrainian Adriana Selmenska, the Imigra Foundation has a physical location in Manhattan (4 W 43rd St., Ste 419), where it serves immigrants of all nationalities by appointment only, but especially Brazilians who feel more comfortable speaking their own language.
More Affordable Prices
Kelly Fontoura explains that, aware of the difficulties many immigrants face and being a non-profit organization, the Imigra Foundation can offer services at more accessible prices.
“We also have a payment plan system so that financial issues do not prevent the community from accessing quality services,” she explains. Additionally, for immigrants who truly cannot afford it, we can provide pro-bono services,” she adds.
Kelly is a paralegal and has worked in the immigration field for over a decade. Peter Traub is an immigration attorney. In addition to them, the foundation has a team of other lawyers, translators, assistants, and volunteers.
Services Offered
Legal
According to Kelly, not all areas of immigration are covered by the foundation. “We specialize mainly in work legalization processes, particularly the EB3. We represent microbusinesses, small businesses, and family homes that can initiate the legalization process for a foreigner through a job offer,” she explains.
In addition to the work-based green card, the Imigra Foundation offers:
• Applications for extension and change of status
• Family petitions
• Adjustment of status
• Green card renewal
• Consular processing
• Applications for naturalization
• DACA
• Temporary protected status
Educational
As the goal of the Imigra Foundation is to promote the integration of immigrants, the organization also offers the following courses:
• English as a Second Language (ESL) course
• Citizenship preparation courses
• Financial education courses
Social
The Imigra Foundation helps the community access benefits with information and referrals for social services such as health insurance.
Additionally, the foundation hosts an agent once a month who assists Brazilians in resolving documentation issues with the Brazilian Consulate, such as passport renewal, for example. The service is free but requires prior appointment only.
The Imigra Foundation has a website, https://imigrafoundation.org, an Instagram account, @imigrafoundation, and a Facebook page, @imigrafoundation, where you can find more information about the services offered and contact them to schedule an appointment.