The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires founded the Berkshire Immigrant Center in 1997 to assist Berkshire County Immigrants waning to become American citizens. This program operates for Immigrants to the region, regardless of race or religious preference. Since 1997 the Center has evolved into an office of immigrant services to address the broader needs of the local immigrant and refugee population. The Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC), currently run under the auspices of Berkshire Community Action Council, is the only program in Berkshire County which works exclusively to meet the challenges faced by our rapidly growing immigrant community. BIC offers the following services:

• Citizenship assistance including application support, disability and fee waivers, English as a Second Language/Civics classes, follow-up and advocacy with the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Settlement Services: orientation, information, referrals and general counseling for recently arrived immigrants
• Advocacy and public education including consultation, group information sessions and workshops, and outreach to communities and other not-for-profit organizations
• Referrals to and enrollment in English classes or with private tutors
• Work with state and federal legislators in support of immigrants’ initiatives
• Monthly walk-in clinics for free consultations with an immigration attorney; referrals to immigration attorneys throughout the state
• Referrals to other community services to facilitate access of daycare, health care, continuing education, career counseling, housing, and other social service needs
• Voter education and promotion of civic participation
• Interpretation and translation services
• Information and distribution of forms for a variety of immigration issues including adjustment of status, green cards, visas, political asylum, work authorization and family sponsorship
• Distribution of Federal Emergency Food and Shelter funds and furniture and clothing donations

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