HIAS Services HIAS provides a broad array of services within the pre- and post-migration continuum. They include: Overseas Operations: Monitors US refugee processing programs and advocates for effective approaches for maintaining such programs. Maintains an organizational presence in Europe, the FSU, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, and monitors country conditions impacting refugees in these regions. Monitors country conditions for Jewish populations throughout the world and is prepared to offer migration assistance if needed. Liaises with US and international agencies dealing with refugee affairs on behalf of its clients. Reports about the US refugee program and its political, social, and economic developments affecting Jews worldwide for dissemination to HIAS affiliates in the United States. Assists Iranian religious minorities in their applications to the US government for refugee status. Liaises with the US government on matters related to the US refugee program in the Former Soviet Union and with local Jewish communities. Administers the Migrant Counseling Program in Kiev and Moscow to advise Jewish refugee applications before and following their interviews with the US government. Administers the US State Department funded Cultural Orientation programs for all US-bound refugees processed by the Department of Homeland Security in Moscow and Vienna. Offers advice on migration opportunities to Jews in Latin America and provides legal assistance to those individuals unable to afford private attorneys. Pre-Arrival: Assists with Affidavits of Relationship and refugee application process. Refers cases for placement. Clarifies U.S. refugee policy to anchor relatives and community professionals. Notifies community affiliates of refugees’ scheduled arrival dates and times. Liaises with U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as required for cases with medical problems. Arrival & Post-Arrival: Liaises with the BCIS to discuss and resolve problems encountered by refugees at ports of entry and during initial resettlement period. Maintains a library of materials on immigration and refugee issues. National Administration, Monitoring, and Reporting: Analyzes and reports on demographic trends within the refugee population. Monitors programmatic and fiscal compliance with the major Federal refugee grants: Cooperative Agreement and the Matching Grant program. Conducts on-site visits to communities to monitor performance and provide technical assistance. Monitors outcome statistics and provides technical assistance to communities on ways to meet established performance standards. National Immigration Assistance: Provides immigration possibilities for relatives (family reunification). Maintains toll free numbers for information and assistance. Processing Unit: Assists with preparation of a myriad of immigration-related applications. Assists potential participants in the Holocaust Victim Assets Litigation. Community Outreach: Provides naturalization preparation training materials for individuals. Co-sponsors naturalization workshops to assist local affiliates in processing clients' naturalization applications. Assists émigrés and community professionals through the production and distribution of informational and educational materials. Immigration Representation Unit: Lawyers and accredited paraprofessionals provide specialized immigration counsel and representation before the BCIS, the Immigration Court, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Other Immigration Activities: Provides legal research and commentary to the BCIS in response to proposed changes to regulations and procedures. Location Service: Assists Jews in their search for friends and loved ones who have been separated by social upheaval and immigration; provides copies of arrival cards. Communications (English and Russian-Language): Produces public information materials, including immigration brochures on a variety of topics; organizational films; and a 36-page magazine. Produces a Poster Competition for immigrant youth; an Essay Competition for immigrant teens. Informs Russian-speaking community of latest immigration-related news through weekly half-hour Russian cable television program hosted by HIAS staff member. Provides weekly Russian radio news spot to help keep clients informed. Prepares a weekly immigration information and advice column to the Russian press. Develops and disseminates feature and news articles advocating immigrant rights and other issues relating to refugees and asylum-seekers. Manages HIAS websites (HIAS and LOREO) to help update public on immigration-related issues. Provides marketing and communications support the HIAS Scholarship Programs (for the U.S. and Israel). Organizes public-speaking engagements for key HIAS officials.