Caring for the stranger…the immigrant…especially in this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy is what inspired and motivated the collaboration between the Diocese of San Bernardino and Catholic Charities to plan six new immigration resource centers, one in each Vicariate.
The Santo Toribio Immigration Center at Our Lady of Solitude Parish in Palm Springs is the first such center to open - named after Santo Toribio Romo, the protector of migrants.
More than 200 people gathered to celebrate the official opening and Blessing Ceremony on May 21. The dedication was presided over by Bishop Gerald Barnes. The event opened with a presentation on immigration law by Catholic Charities, followed by the blessing of the building, and then refreshments and fellowship.
During the dedication Bishop Barnes referred to the Center as an illustration of how the Church cares for and receives immigrants. He shared with those in attendance that other ministries such as providing food for the poor, caring for the sick and homebound, and visiting the imprisoned are often the most visible signs of the church’s commitment to the Corporal Acts of Mercy. However, today with the opening of the Santo Toribio Immigration Center, “welcoming the stranger” now had a sign to show the community how we are “one with each other.” Sister Hortensia Del Villar, SAC, Director of Social Concerns for the Diocese and a key architect of the collaborative effort, said the opening of the Center sends an important message of hope “in the midst of an ambience that is not so friendly to immigrants at the moment.”
Catholic Charities is accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). This allows staff and certified volunteers to represent clients, submit applications, follow up and file inquiries with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and represent clients at the USCIS office. Catholic Charities does not provide attorney services; however, most services are free or very low cost except for any application fees which are charged directly by USCIS.
The opening of the Santo Toribio Immigration Center is possible through the work of volunteers to whom Catholic Charities provides training and oversight. These volunteers provide consultations and screening by appointment only for no-cost or low-cost in the following areas: Citizenship, Family Petition, Adjustment of Status, Removal of Conditional Residence, Fiancée Petition, Re-entry Permit, Freedom of Information Act, Tourist Visa, U Visa, Violence against Women Act (VAWA), Replacement of Green Card, Affidavit of Support, Deferred Action (DACA/DAPA) and Central American Minors (CAM).
The amount of services available has the potential to help many regularize their immigration status,” Sr. Del Villar said.
“Many of them meet the requirements but are not aware of the services,” she said. “After they have a consultation many times they find their case does have a legal possibility.”
Father David K. Foxen, M.S.C., Pastor of Our Lady of Solitude Parish, has provided dedicated space there to Catholic Charities for the past year, so volunteers and staff could provide much needed services to families such as health insurance application assistance, food, utility and rental assistance, burial assistance, back-to-school items and more. Now with the opening of the Santo Toribio Immigration Center, Catholic Charities will bring its immigration services onsite as well.
The Santo Toribio Immigration Center is open for walk-in screenings and information every first and third Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information on immigration services or to become a volunteer call Catholic Charities’ Administration Office at (909) 388-1239.