A father, detained by ICE, was reunited with his wife and young children with the help of IIBA staff
A few months ago, the International Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA), a participant in the North Bay’s rapid response network, was alerted that ICE had taken a father from his wife and young daughter and infant son. He was being detained without bond, placing him in detention and causing extreme financial stress for his family due to his loss of income.
A Family Reunited
With citizenship, Celedonio and Amanda have been able to travel more freely, taking medical missions to Nicaragua, where they chaperone medical and nursing students who provide aid in rural villages. There Celedonio uses his skills as a chemical engineer to teach communities about renewable energy.
With IIBA’s help, Odalia became a citizen
Since becoming a citizen, Odalia says she feels much safer. “I feel that this country is a part of my life,” Odalia says. “So it had been a wish of mine to become a citizen.” With IIBA’s help, Odalia became a citizen. from IIBA on Vimeo. Support immigrant families by donating today.
IIBA welcomes our new Board Members: Eric, Antoine, and Christian
We are excited to introduce you to IIBA's newest Board Members: Eric, Antoine, and Christian.
IIBA Volunteer: Samantha May
Samantha May volunteered for IIBA in 2015, and her time at IIBA inspired her to pursue a career in immigration law. "After hours spent reading about what people were fleeing from and what they wanted here," Samantha said, "I realized that I wanted to devote my career to helping immigrants."
IIBA Client: Carlos Macias Prieto
For almost three decades, Carlos and his family have come to IIBA for help with immigration paperwork. When he finally received his green card, Carlos was able to visit Mexico, for the first time in twenty years.
Close to Home: IIBA’s Karla Márquez
When the North Bay fires broke out on Sunday, October 8, Karla Márquez could see the smoke not far from home. She knew people would need help, so she sprung into action, seeking the nearest evacuation center.
Former IISF Executive Director: Terry De Luca Schooler
As IIBA celebrates 100 years of serving immigrants and refugees, we will be sharing stories of the IIBA family throughout time. We hope you enjoy learning more about our rich history in the Bay Area.
It is our pleasure to introduce you to Terry De Luca Schooler, former Executive Director of International Institute of San Francisco in the 1960s.
Stories from the Border
IIBA deployed six staff members to the border to give witness to what is happening, to stand for the rights of people who have crossed the border, to serve as translators, to provide much-needed legal expertise, and to bring compassion to those who have received far too little of it.
IIBA Volunteer: Rie Sugisawa
As a naturalized citizen, Rie Sugisawa wanted to use her knowledge of the naturalization process to help others. So Rie volunteers every week at IIBA’s Napa office, administering “mock” interviews to IIBA clients, preparing them for their citizenship interview.