Second Annual Fire & Ice

NEWS

February 17, 2010.  American Gateways is looking for a few good volunteers!  Please review our volunteer opportunities and consider getting involved.   Click here for a listing of current volunteer opportunities.

 

January 27, 2010.  The Board of Directors announced the 2010 American Gateways Annual Gala:

Please save the date.

 

January 19, 2010.  Temporary Protected Status Declared for Haitians in Central and South Texas; American Gateways Ramping Up to Meet the Need.

American Gateways applauds last week’s announcement by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano that Haitians in the United States are granted Temporary Protected Status following the devastating earthquake, and we are ramping up efforts to meet the needs of Haitians in Central and South Texas.

“We are ready to assist Haitians living in Central and South Texas with applying for Temporary Protected Status,” said Chris Jimmerson, Executive Director of American Gateways.  “Our job is to provide legal services to immigrants fleeing violence and oppression, including Haitians who are eligible to file for TPS,” he added.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration status given by the U.S. Customs Information Service (USCIS) to people from nations that are currently experiencing severe crises.  In addition to Haitians, currently El Salvadorans, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, Sudanese and Somalis are eligible for TPS status.  Rather than being deported to Haiti in the wake of an earthquake which killed as many as 200,000 people, Haitians are eligible to stay in the United States for the next 18 months.

“Individuals wanting American Gateways’ help should visit our offices between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays,” said Edna Yang, American Gateways General Counsel.  American Gateways is located at 314 East Highland Mall Boulevard, Suite 501, in Austin.

American Gateways serves thousands of immigrants each year.  We have served and continue to serve a number of Haitians in Central and South Texas.  In order to receive TPS, Haitians must have been in the United States before January 12th, and must meet the eligibility criteria for TPS.  American Gateways is able to assist Haitians with completing and filing the necessary forms and documents.  These services are available to Haitians and offered on a low fee basis for those with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. Waivers are available for hardship cases.

Fundraising efforts are planned in order to offer this service at no charge to Haitians who are in Texas.  Additionally, USCIS fee waivers may be available from USCIS in order to offset USCIS filing fees.

Ameican Gateways' Clients from Haiti

 

January 15, 2009.  The Department of Homeland Security grants Temporary Protected Status to Haitians living in the United States, following the earthquake in Haiti earlier this week. Here is the statement from DHS.

 

January 12, 2009.  American Gateways announces our open house and volunteer appreciation reception, happening the evening of February 9th.  For more information, please email info@americangateways.org.

 

December 2009.  The all new www.americangateways.org goes live!