Immigration & Refugee Services

A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. - John 13: 34-35

The USCCB shares that each year thousands of immigrants and refugees come to the United States seeking to make a new life for themselves. Some are victims of war, oppression, and political turmoil. Others are coming to join loved ones. All come seeking the opportunity to live in peace, safety, and freedom. Upon arrival in the United States, these new Americans face the challenge of starting lives anew, often with little more than just a few material possessions. They must immediately attend to basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and jobs, while learning a new language and navigating the many cultural variations in our society. Consequently, there is a great need for people who are willing to help facilitate the integration of newly arriving immigrant and refugee populations into our society.

The diocese offers a number of classes and services to the state’s growing immigrant population. Member agency of the Rhode Island Citizenship Consortium.

Immigration Services: family petitions, religious visa petitions, adjustment of status, green card renewals, naturalization, work permit renewals, TPS, DACA, and consultations.

Accredited Representation: staff is accredited to represent individuals and families before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence Catholic Social Services of RI is a member agency of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Citizenship Classes: held on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or afternoons from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. to prepare legal permanent residents for the citizenship exam. Please call 401.278.2532 for more information.

Refugee Resettlement Services: In affiliation with Migration & Refugee Services (MRS) of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), staff provides refugee resettlement services. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has been collaborating with the USCCB/MRS for nearly 30 years in their humanitarian mission of the resettlement of refugees in the United States. This program is appropriate for anyone in need of immigration services and refugee resettlement casework and is available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, French, Tigrini and  Amharic.
The application process varies depending on the immigration status of the individual and application guidelines vary depending on the immigration status. There are fees required by the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the diocesan office has a fee schedule for the services provided. The financial situation of the client is considered; fees are based on the individual’s income, and payment plans are available.

Prayer: A Stranger, and You Welcomed Me

One Cathedral Square, Providence, RI 02903