These are supportive spaces, led by trained facilitators with shared lived experience, that help participants move forward on their journey to lawful status. Though not workshops or legal consultations, participants are able to safely explore the emotions that can sometimes arise during the legalization process: the fear of being denied; the anxiety of traveling abroad; and the exhaustion of being subject to ever-changing, unpredictable immigration policies. They also learn practical skills for managing emotional and psychological challenges.
In addition to being part of support groups, participants are able to attend optional Q&A sessions with legal experts who answer general questions, as well as with formerly undocumented individuals who share personal experiences and reflections about their legalization journeys.
Note: Though participation in these support groups can be therapeutic, these groups are not a form of therapy.
Registration for our May groups has closed, but we invite you to stay connected and hear about upcoming support groups and webinars by filling out our interest form HERE.
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This 6-week support group offers participants an overview of existing pathways to lawful status, along with tools to make strategic decisions and manage uncertainty. Participants will learn how to build a strong support network, ask informed questions, and proactively position themselves for success in their immigration journeys.
Meeting Day: TUESDAYS
Meeting Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Pacific (7:00-8:00 pm Central / 8:00-9:00 pm Eastern)
Dates: 5/05, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/02, 6/09
Facilitators: Juan Manuel and Kissu Taffere
Attorney Q&A: Aidin Castillo Mazantini, Executive Director of the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
Read more about Support Groups for People Legalizing ↑
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This 6-week group is for individuals without permanent lawful status who are considering, or already pursuing, a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Depending on participant interest, there may be opportunities to involve partners in select sessions.
Meeting Day: THURSDAYS
Meeting Time: 6:00 pm-7:00 pm Pacific (8:00-9:00 pm Central / 9:00-10:00 pm Eastern)
Dates: 5/07, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/04, 6/11
Facilitator: Mayra Almanza
Read more about Support Groups for People Legalizing ↑
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This 6-week group is for individuals actively pursuing work visas, including but not limited to O, L, TN and E-2 visas, and PERM / green card options. Individuals must have already received a legal consultation and determined that they are eligible to pursue a work visa. Individuals may be pursuing a work visa for the first-time or transferring to a green card option after having a temporary work visa.
Meeting Day: MONDAYS
Meeting Time: 6:30-7:30 pm Pacific (8:30-9:30 pm Central / 9:30-10:30 pm Eastern)
Dates: 5/04, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/01, 6/08
Facilitator: Huyen “Kiki” Vo
Attorney Q&A: Megan Kludt, Senior Attorney at Path2Papers
Read more about Support Groups for People Legalizing ↑
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These 6-week groups are for individuals considering leaving the U.S. and relocating abroad for safety, work, lifestyle, or legal status. Participants may be considering returning to their home countries or moving to other countries.
Meeting Day: WEDNESDAYS
Meeting Time: 5:30-6:30 pm Pacific (7:30-8:30 pm Central / 8:30-9:30 pm Eastern)
Dates: 5/06, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/03, 6/10
Group Type 1: Discussion (facilitated by therapist Jose Perez or therapist Kissu Taffere)
Group Type 2: Journaling & Sharing (facilitated by writer Amanda E. Machado)
Attorney Q&A: Camiel Becker, Senior Attorney at Path2Papers
Read more about Support Groups for People Legalizing ↑
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Mayra Almanza, Contigo Counseling Inc
Mayra is a formerly undocumented mental health therapist with over a decade of experience in the field. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of settings and positions, including administration, therapy and supervision. Since becoming a therapist, her goal has been to create an equitable and accessible place for those seeking therapy. She is the founder of Contigo Counseling Inc, where she focuses on serving the undocumented community. Her other passion is reproductive mental health, creating a space for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of growing their families. She continues to learn and develop an anti-racist and decolonized approach in her practice and helping other organizations and individuals do the same.