Blog

The story of Pope Francis starts, fittingly, with migration. His father, Mario José Bergoglio, left fascist Italy in 1929 and crossed the ocean looking for something better. He landed in Argentina and, a few years later, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born. That origin, an immigrant’s story, was never a footnote for Francis. It was the thread. 

Francis never talked about immigration like a theory. He spoke as someone shaped by it. In Buenos Aires, he walked with the poor and the migrants. As pope, he brought that same posture to a global stage. 

Just four months into his papacy, he went to Lampedusa—a tiny island that had become a graveyard for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. There, surrounded by wreckage and grief, he mourned the dead and challenged the world. “The globalization of indifference has taken from us the ability to weep,” he said. He celebrated Mass on an altar made of wood from shipwrecked boats and tossed a wreath into the sea. 

Francis distilled the Church’s response to migration into four verbs: welcome, protect, promote, integrate. He didn’t just preach it—he lived it. He visited detention centers. He housed refugee families in the Vatican. And in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he made this cutting observation: “No one denies that migrants are human—but our policies say otherwise.” 

He also named a truth few want to admit: people shouldn’t have to leave home just to survive. “Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided,” he wrote. “This entails creating in countries of origin the conditions needed for a dignified life and integral development.” In other words: the right to stay is just as sacred as the right to leave. 

In 2025, during what would become his final Easter as pope, he was too ill to deliver his blessing aloud. But he still stepped onto the balcony at St. Peter’s, offered a wave and a whispered “Happy Easter,” and reminded the world, one more time: “Do not yield to the logic of fear… use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger, and to welcome the stranger.” 

Pope Francis’s legacy on immigration isn’t just policy. It’s personal. It’s pastoral. It’s prophetic. For him, migrants weren’t an issue to manage—they were people to love. That’s what made him the Immigrant’s Pope. 

Family-based immigration offers a pathway for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to unite with their loved ones in the United States. At Catholic Charities Fort Worth Immigration Services, we understand the importance of family unity and offer dedicated support throughout this intricate process—all at a low-cost fee. 

Understanding Family-Based Immigration: Family-based immigration allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for certain close relatives to join them in the U.S. This process involves extensive paperwork, interviews, and legal requirements that can be overwhelming without expert guidance. 

The Role of DOJ Accredited Representatives: Our team includes DOJ Accredited Representatives, authorized by the Department of Justice to assist individuals with immigration matters. They possess specialized knowledge to navigate the complexities of family-based immigration, ensuring thorough preparation from application submission to interview support.  

Comprehensive Services We Offer: Catholic Charities Fort Worth Immigration Services provides affordable and comprehensive assistance for family-based immigration. Our services include petition preparation, application guidance, and interview preparation. We strive to help families understand their eligibility, compile necessary documentation, and present a compelling case to immigration authorities.  

Why Choose Us? Choosing our services means leveraging the expertise of DOJ Accredited Representatives who are committed to your family’s immigration successful reunification. We prioritize personalized support and meticulous attention to detail throughout every stage of the process.  

Take the First Step Today: If you or someone you know is considering family-based immigration, trust Catholic Charities Fort Worth Immigration Services for reliable guidance. Visit www.ccfwimmigration.com to schedule a consultation and learn more.  

At Catholic Charities Fort Worth’s (CCFW) Immigration Services, we are dedicated to providing hope, respect, and comprehensive support to every individual we serve. Our mission is to empower immigrants and refugees to create brighter futures for themselves and their families. Below, our Immigration Services Manager, Hoai Hoang, shares her journey from client to employee, and highlights just what makes our services so critical for the immigrants we serve.

HOAI’S STORY

I was born in Vietnam into a family of seven brothers and sisters. My dad worked for the United States government under Vietnam’s old regime. Because of his work, he was granted refugee status, but was not able to come to the United States as he did not want to leave his old parents behind. Eventually, many years later, my parents came to the United States as immigrants from my aunt’s petition, but my dad’s refugee file was still open. 

Catholic Charities Fort Worth was my sponsor when I arrived. In Vietnam, I had been working as a banker at a Japanese Bank for eight years. Even though I had a lot of experience in the field, I couldn’t get a job at a bank here in the United States. So, Catholic Charities sponsored me to take a paralegal course and it changed my life. 

Being a paralegal was completely different than my profession in Vietnam. When I started the course, it was very difficult. All the classes were in English and, as a new arrival, it was hard to learn all of the laws in the United States. I had to learn about all different kinds of law: business, family law, international, everything. 

It was really difficult, but I passed it. I graduated with a 93 and received my paralegal certification from the University of North Texas. 

I’ve always been appreciative of Catholic Charities sponsoring me. I’m now a manager in CCFW’s Immigration Services department and I’m able to serve other refugees and immigrants, just like me. 

I screen clients for eligible benefits, help people reunite with their families here in the United States, apply for their green cards and obtain their citizenship. 

Because I’m a refugee myself, I understand the importance of Her job and the love that’s required to do it. It takes patience to help them. They are reserved, but they can feel that I’m helping them with my whole heart. 

Whether it’s helping them secure a work permit, helping them to reunite with their families or helping them get their green card or citizenship, Her job lets me help people and help families – that’s why I love it. Because of the mission of Catholic Charities, we are able to give them hope, just like I was given. 

When a client first comes to Catholic Charities, they don’t speak English at all. So, we start by communicating with just body language or an interpreter. After a few months, at their next appointment, they can speak a little bit of English. A few years later, they are fluent and pursuing their citizenship. So, from not speaking English to getting their citizenship – I love to watch their journeys unfold. 

I will never forget the story of one woman, a long time ago. She had come to the United States but had left her children behind in the middle of a war. She eventually located her children in another country and we helped her to petition for her kids to join her in the United States. It was very hard and difficult. It took a long time to communicate back and forth until, finally, her petition was approved. 

She was so thankful, and she wanted so badly to give me a gift for helping her; of course, I can’t accept gifts from clients. But she gave me a dollar and she said, “Can you go to the vending machine to buy yourself a coke?” She just wanted to feel like she was doing something, anything to say thank you to me, but her being reunited with her family is already a huge gift to me. 

It is so difficult to become a citizen, but whenever they do, my clients are so appreciative and grateful 

Imagine holding a golden key in your hands—a key that unlocks a treasure chest filled with rights, freedoms, and opportunities. For many immigrants in the U.S., this isn’t just a daydream; it’s a reality waiting to be grasped. That golden key? U.S. citizenship. It’s the final step in the immigration journey. If you’ve been living in the U.S. with a green card and meet all the requirements, stepping up to citizenship can transform your life in ways you might not have imagined. 

Meeting the Mark: The Citizenship Checklist 

Before diving into the treasure chest, let’s ensure you have the map. To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you typically need to have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen). Plus, you should have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time, have a basic knowledge of English and U.S. history and government, and be a person of good moral character. It sounds like a tall order, but for many, it’s a checklist worth completing. 

Five Unbeatable Advantages of U.S. Citizenship 

1. Voting Power: As a citizen, you get a voice in the country’s future. You can vote in federal elections, a privilege that shapes laws, policies, and leadership. It’s your chance to stand up for what matters to you and your community. 

2. No More Green Card Renewals: Wave goodbye to the hassle and expense of renewing your green card every 10 years. Citizenship is for life. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the risk of losing your status if you decide to live outside the U.S. for an extended period of time. 

3. Family Reunification: Citizens have a faster track to bring family members to the U.S. You can petition for your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and even your parents to get their green cards, reuniting your family sooner. 

4. Federal Jobs and Benefits: Dream of working for the government or needing access to certain social benefits? Some jobs and benefits are only available to U.S. citizens, opening doors to new opportunities and support systems. 

5. Passport Privileges: Traveling becomes a breeze with a U.S. passport, one of the most powerful in the world. You’ll enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, and the comfort of U.S. government support while abroad. 

Your Call to Action: Embrace Your Future 

If you’re holding a green card and meet the criteria for citizenship, consider this your rallying cry. U.S. citizenship isn’t just a status; it’s a commitment to your future and the future of your family. It’s a step toward securing your place in a country that’s now your home, with all the rights and responsibilities that come with it. Don’t let uncertainty or the busyness of life keep you from seizing this opportunity. The process might seem daunting, but resources and support are available to guide you every step of the way. 

Embrace your American dream with open arms. Citizenship is more than a certificate or a passport; it’s a promise of freedom, opportunity, and belonging. If you’re eligible, take the leap. The benefits are clear, the path is laid out, and the time is now. Your journey to U.S. citizenship isn’t just about you—it’s a legacy for your family, a vote of confidence in your community, and a testament to your hard work and dedication. Unlock the door to your future today, and step into a brighter tomorrow. 

For those ready to take this significant step, Catholic Charities Fort Worth Immigration Services is here to assist you. From verifying your eligibility to preparing your application packet and providing legal representation until your case’s conclusion, their team of relentless professionals is ready to support you throughout the entire process. Learn more about how they can help by visiting www.ccfwimmigration.com. Your American dream is within reach, and Catholic Charities Fort Worth is here to guide you every step of the way. 

Catholic Charities Fort Worth was awarded “recognition” by the Department of Justice on December 8, 1983. That marks, then, the official birth of our department. We were among the first 35 recognized organizations among the 400 that are active today. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we do so as one of the longest continuously running departments of the agency.

The United States Federal Law establishes that an organization that is a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or similar organization that provides immigration legal services primarily to low-income and indigent clients within the United States, and, if the organization charges fees, has a written policy for accommodating clients unable to pay fees for immigration legal services.” (8 CFR 1292.11(a)(1))

And meets other criteria can be “Recognized” by the Department of Justice. This is part of a program described as allowing non-attorney “Accredited Representatives” to represent aliens before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which includes the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). These representatives are accredited through the Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) Program, which aims to increase the availability of competent immigration legal representation for low-income and indigent persons, thereby promoting the effective and efficient administration of justice. Accredited Representatives may only provide immigration legal services through Recognized Organizations. In accordance with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, only non-profit, federally tax-exempt entities may apply to be recognized.

Since 1983, CCFW Immigration Services has been able to help thousands of people navigate the complex U.S. immigration process. We have been part of many landmark moments in the history of the immigration system to the U.S. such as the Refugee Act of 1980 (formalizing the refugee program into the U.S.), the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, the USA PATRIOT Act after 9/11 that saw the creation of DHS, and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012, among others. All those occasions created a surge in the demand for services and, every time, the department rose to the occasion to serve as many as humanly possible.

Through the years, the department has emphasized three things: as many as possible, as fast as possible, as good as possible. This allows us to aim at three principal areas. One, the ability to serve as many people as we can because the need is big. Second, the aim of serving in an expedited and timely manner, without unnecessary delays. Third, a serious commitment to ethics, and high quality. We will not go beyond what the law allows a client to do, and we will not cut corners in the preparation of the application packets that we submit on behalf of our clients.

We are an organization that does more than answer questions or fill out forms. We provide complete legal services that start with consultation and culminate in complete legal representation in front of the Federal Agencies handling the cases. To achieve our goals, we focus on our staff and our technology. Our staff maintains a regular schedule of continuous education training that is specific to the practice of immigration law. We also belong to national professional organizations in our field, including the Catholic

Legal Immigration Network, Inc (CLINIC), the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild. This helps us stay at the forefront of the changes of law and procedures. We also make concerted efforts to keep our technology up to date to better serve our clients. We utilize a state-of-the-art case management system that allows for continuous monitoring of the cases and communication with the clients. We observe the highest industry standards to handle the delicate information that we have from our clients.

We grow year over year in the fine tuning of our processes to accommodate the specific needs of our clients. We accommodate the specific trends that we see and are nimble enough to modify our procedures while maintaining our core elements. We remained open through all the COVID pandemic. We were able to move to a hybrid model and our clients adapted with us to the new realities. We establish clear goals for our department that not only focus on outputs but have several outcome indicators as well to monitor our timeliness, our quality, and how our operations function.

After 40 years, we look back with great gratitude and humility for everything that has been done and how many people we have been able to serve. Everyone in our current staff is either an immigrant themselves or an immediate relative of one. Therefore, when we look at the present, we do it with a deep sense of responsibility and empathy. We walked this road. We know how stressful it is, how scary it can be, how vulnerable one can feel.

As we look to the future, we see challenges ahead. We see the need of many for an immigration system that works in the 2020s. We see the need for a nation that must adapt to the new realities that are vastly different from the last time the law was overhauled. We are not afraid. We are thankful to be able to do this job every day. Whatever lies ahead, we will handle it, for as many as we can, as fast as we can, as good as we can.

Temporary Protected Status, TPS for short, is a special designation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of a country where the current conditions prevent the safe return of its nationals currently in the US. The reasons for a country to receive that designation include wars, natural disasters, or other extraordinary temporary circumstances.

Countries Designated for TPS

The following countries are currently under TPS designation:

• Burma (Myanmar)
• El Salvador
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Somalia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Venezuela
• Yemen

In recent days the DHS has announced that Ukraine and Afghanistan are in the process of receiving this designation and soon the nationals of these countries will be able to apply for TPS protection.

Who can benefit from TPS?

Who can benefit from TPS? TPS benefits are reserved for citizens of the countries designated by the DHS, AND that are present in the US by the date established by the date that the country receives the designation. All nationals of those countries that arrive to the US past that date will not be eligible. Additionally, there is a specific registration period by which those wishing to benefit from TPS need to submit their application.

What exactly are the benefits offered?

TPS is an 18 month protection period at the end of which the DHS evaluates the country’s conditions and determines if it is possible to end TPS for that particular country or if they will re-designate the country for another 18 months. The specific benefits include:

Individuals with TPS are protected from deportation from the US

Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)

May be granted authorization to travel abroad and return to the US

Finally,  individuals with TPS cannot be detained by the DHS based on their immigration status in the United States.

What are the limitations of TPS?

TPS is only for a limited number of people already present in the US at the time that it is enacted. It does offer protection for other individuals that are fleeing the same dire circumstances but who are outside the US at the time. Also, TPS is, as indicated in the name, a temporary relief. It does not lead to any other immigration benefit and does not place the beneficiary on track to lawful permanent residency (green card). However, TPS does not preclude the beneficiary to pursue other immigration benefits for which they might be eligible.

Final Thoughts

Nationals from Ukraine and Afghanistan should be looking forward to the formal announcement of the date when the period of initial registration starts. If you or someone you know might benefit from TPS you can schedule a consultation and our team will be happy to provide all the assistance needed for a successful application for TPS.