Catholic Charities of Central Texas, or CCCTX, is expanding its Immigration Legal Services program with the aid of a $30,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation. The faith-based social services organization will provide pro bono legal representation to Afghan families resettling in Central Texas after the fall of the country’s government in August 2021.
“CCCTX is urgently responding to this humanitarian crisis for the Afghan people,” Immigration Legal Services Director Justin Estep said in a press release. “This grant will help keep Afghan families together and put them on a path to a successful new life here in Central Texas.”
Afghan nationals may qualify for immigration processes such as asylum, Special Immigrant Visas, or Temporary Protected Status.
With the help of Texas Here to Stay and Refugee Services of Texas, CCCTX has provided legal services to more than 12 Afghan families consisting of at least 60 people. Additionally, CCCTX and Texas Here to Stay have hosted pro bono clinics to help refugees complete paperwork and receive other consultation. The clinics have helped more than 20 people with asylum and Special Immigrant Visa paperwork.
For more information about Catholic Charities of Central Texas, go to ccctx.org. For more information about the Texas Bar Foundation, go to txbf.org.