Immigration Reform Bill Provides New Hope and Victory for Nonprofits

In the wake of the 68-32 vote that passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act through the Senate, immigration advocacy groups, activists, and immigrants alike are celebrating this new milestone in the path towards securing a better future for millions of people who are hindered by their lack of documentation.

Congratulations and thank you to the following Top-Rated nonprofits who have worked towards improving the lives of thousands of immigrants in America! These organizations have aided immigrants in need throughout the years, either by offering English and literacy tutoring, providing financial and job assistance, or fighting for passage of this reform bill. We are awed by their courage and selflessness in providing essential services for people who otherwise would not have been able achieve their dreams in the U.S.

Top-Rated Nonprofit 2012

LALDEF provides community photo ID cards for both documented and undocumented residents so that they can access emergency and other services regardless of their legal status. The organization also organizes local health fairs, free attorney services, and newsletters that provide information about job and scholarship opportunities.

“LALDEF is making a difference in the community by helping immigrants better assimulate and advance themselves in education, health, work and civic participation. This organization succeeds because of the strong group of volunteers and dedicated leaders who give tirelessly and with pride.”

Top-Rated Nonprofit 2012

The Immigrant Learning Center provides English adult classes to immigrants and refugees in Boston, while running the Public Education Institute, which educates American citizens about the socio-economic barriers facing immigrants.

“I think the best thing about them is their genuine passion for their mission–they are out to help immigrants operate in America both culturally and linguistically, and I know the students view the Immigrant Learning Center as a safe haven where their beginning English skills are cultivated and not mocked, their work ethic is acknowledged, and their culture is respected, all while encouraging them to integrate in Boston’s culture.”

Top-Rated Nonprofit 2012

The American Immigration Council aims to provide important immigration policy information to the general public as well as to stand up for humane and responsible immigration reform. AIC has been posting comprehensive resources that explain the components of the reform bill and keep readers updated on its progress towards enactment.

“Now more than ever, it is a go to organization, widely disseminating critical information that is used by a variety of different organizations and individuals across the United States. In particular, AIC has been so instrumental in broadcasting the benefits of immigration to this country, and showcasing the nuances that are sometimes lost in this era of 30 second soundbites and social media.”

Top-Rated Nonprofit 2012

Washtenaw Literacy organizes a volunteer network of tutors to help adults who need to improve their literacy or who have learned English as a second language, providing them with the skill set needed to find jobs.

“I tutor both ESL and native-English-user folks, and on either side they can be young adults or senior citizens or anyone in between. Many of us have had the experience of a learner saying ‘you have changed my life.’ What could be more satisfying than that?”

Top-Rated Nonprofit 2009

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society assists Jewish and other refugees and migrants in the U.S. and provides immigrants with the resources to attend college or get a job, by maintaining their own philosophy to always “welcome the stranger.”

“HIAS is an organization that has really helped people all over the world. HIAS assists in resettling refugees and has done the same for my family and me. In addition, HIAS award scholarships to refugee children in need and I was a beneficiary of such a scholarship. Their actions speak louder than words.”

Though we’re still waiting on news from the House as they enter debate over the bill, passage through the Senate has given the immigrants helped by these organizations reason to celebrate and to hope. If you have worked with one of these nonprofits or know of any others that are also doing their part to aid immigrants in the U.S., write a review to recognize and honor these organizations for the amazing work they are doing.