Why More New Bedford Immigrants Are Rushing to Citizenship

Throughout New Bedford's history, immigrants have been an important part of the city's story.

"The immigrant population is the backbone of the community," said Helena DaSilva Hughes, President of the Immigrants Assistance Center in New Bedford. "You can't talk about the local economy without including the immigrant labor force."

Hughes said immigrants served as front-line workers during the pandemic and were hailed as heroes, but that's not the case today. She talked about the pressures facing immigrants locally, and the steps they can take to avoid government roundups and deportation during an appearance this week on Townsquare Sunday.

Immigration Applications Have Tripled in New Bedford

"Many immigrants, including green card holders, are now applying for citizenship," Hughes said. "Our numbers have tripled from previous years, because many of them are in fear of being picked up. They do not feel secure about living in the U.S., even with a green card."

IAC Does Not Support Immigrants With Criminal Records

Hughes wants to make clear that she and her agency have no use for immigrants with criminal records. "People with criminal records should not be here," she said. "If you commit a crime, you should absolutely leave this country, because it's a privilege to live here."

The Challenges Facing Mixed-Status Households

Many calls to the IAC come from families with "mixed immigration," parents without legal status, while their U.S.-born children are citizens. Hughes said it is these families that appear most at-risk.

"What we've been doing is educating those families in the community to have an emergency plan in place for their children, in the event they are picked up by ICE," she said. Hughes said there is currently no process for parents who are considered part of "mixed immigration" families to apply for green cards.

An immigration reform bill might fix that, but no one is talking about immigration reform in Washington. Hughes blames both parties for the inaction.

Unaccompanied Youth and Mental Health Needs

The IAC also does a lot of work with unaccompanied youth, children who arrive in this country without parents or guardians. Hughes said her agency provides mental health services to young people who are trying to move on from the trauma they faced in their home country, and in some cases here in the U.S.

How Community Donations Support Immigrant Families

In a recent annual appeal letter, Hughes stated the demand for IAC services continues to grow, and so does the urgency. She said your donations can make a direct, immediate and tangible difference for a family or child. You can donate at the Immigrants Assistance Center website.

If you would like your nonprofit featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.