Immigrant Connection at May Ave Wesleyan Church

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

"Immigrants aren’t just workers, they are innovators, leaders, and culture-builders. Their contributions extend beyond the economy, shaping communities, industries, and social movements.

Immigrants build support networks within communities, create change, and bring resilience that transforms societies, and so much more. Their impact is immeasurable."

We take a moment to recognize Immigrants for who they are as humans, not their labor or how "hardworking" they can be."

Thanks for this powerful post!

05/14/2026

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is taking longer to be approved than recipients are use to seeing. Previously, renewals could take as little as 2 - 4 weeks. However, according to USCIS, DACA renewal requests are taking 4 months on average to be renewed.

The article linked below from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) provides a few reasons why the renewals are taking longer. It also offers suggestions if you find yourself waiting 4+ months for your renewal.

The best thing you can do is make sure you file as early as possible for renewal, 150 days before your current EAD is set to expire. As always, we are here for you if you have questions or need help with your DACA.

Because DACA renewals are taking much longer than they used to, here’s what to know about these delays, who may be affected, and what steps to take.

05/05/2026

"Immigrant stories are American stories. Every voice, every page, every lived experience is part of what America is and has always been.

At a time when immigrant communities are facing fear, detention, and dehumanization, these stories matter even more. They remind us that behind every policy is a person, behind every label is a life, and behind every struggle is the enduring hope to belong.

When you choose to read, reflect, and share these stories, you help make that truth visible. You help build a world where we truly see one another and refuse the language of exclusion.

What’s an immigrant story that you’d recommend to others to read?"

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04/10/2026

Why do people immigrate to the US?
Read below to learn more.

04/10/2026

Please be YOU.
We welcome YOU.
There will always be a place for YOU.

👏👏👏

04/10/2026

It was a very long day (I got to the office at 6:15 am and left at 9:45 pm) with some serious technology issues, BUT that didn't stop us from getting 5 cases ready to be mailed in the morning.

03/17/2026

As a former teacher, I'm all about the WHY? and HOW? When talking with clients, I want them to understand the why and how we can, or why we can not, do something.

Our parent organization, Immigrant Connection, seeks to provide the WHAT and HOW that comes up when a loved one is detained. This free webinar is open to all who want to learn more.

When someone is detained by immigration authorities, families and friends are often left confused and afraid. This webinar explains what detention means, what immediate steps to take, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to connect with trusted legal help.

Hosted by Immigrant Connection's Founder and Executive Director, Zach Szmara, and Immigrant Connection's Director of Partnerships, Carrie Afanador, register in our Bio or comment "webinar" to join us Thursday!

03/12/2026

We are so excited to have a new sister site!!! Congratulations to Immigrant Connection New England, in Brockton, MA!
Welcome to the family! 💗

Immigrant Connection - New England will ensure access to vital immigration legal services in Massachusetts and the surrounding region. Each new Local IC site is a powerful step towards our vision: When every immigrant family in the US has access to immigration legal services, all families and communities can thrive.

Immigrant Connection is a nationwide network of immigration legal service providers that has served over 52,000 immigrants and their families in the last 12 years, and
across the United States, the Immigrant Connection Legal Network stands with immigrants and their families. We celebrate our sites, our staff, and we celebrate each client we have the privilege of journeying with.

Congrats! Igreja do Nazareno Nova Aliança - Brockton, MA Immigrant Connection- New England

02/26/2026

On this day in 2019, I (Melissa) became a DOJ Accredited Representative for the first time. I'm now our Executive Director and lead our all female staff through the ups and downs of immigration law.

I want our clients to feel welcomed, loved, and give them a sense of belonging. It is my greatest desire to walk alongside and help our clients navigate our every changing immigration laws.

To me, no question asked is to simple or "stupid." As a former teacher, I want people to understand the "Why?" Why we can, or can not, do something to bring their loved one here or to correct their status.

I am thankful for the last 7 years and hope for many more years to come!