Find answers to common questions about volunteering with NYC4ALL and accessing resources as an immigrant or refugee.
Questions about getting involved
No legal experience is required. We provide comprehensive training to help you guide immigrants and refugees through their immigration paperwork. You’ll be supported by experienced mentors and legal professionals throughout the process.
We ask for a commitment of approximately 1-5 hours per month. This includes time for training, meeting with your mentee, and completing paperwork tasks. Flexibility is available based on your schedule.
As a mentor, you’ll help guide a young immigrant/refugee by providing life guidance, connecting them with resources, and serving as a steady, trusted adult presence. You’ll help them navigate New York City and the immigration system, connecting them to resources. How much time you spend together depends on how your relationship develops. Some mentor/ee rarely see each other, others include them in major life events. It’s up to you.
All volunteers receive comprehensive training covering immigration basics, cultural sensitivity, trauma-informed care, and specific guidance on helping youth and families complete their paperwork. Ongoing support is available from our team.
While some administrative tasks can be done remotely, we encourage in-person meetings with your mentee to build trust and provide effective support. Hybrid arrangements are possible depending on individual circumstances.
Multilingual volunteers are incredibly valuable! We serve youth from around the world who speak many different languages. Your language skills can help bridge communication gaps and provide comfort to youth in their native language, especially French, Spanish, Haitian Kreole, and Arabic.
Questions about accessing resources
No. All resources listed on our website are available regardless of immigration status. We believe everyone deserves access to essential services like healthcare, housing assistance, and education.
Yes. We take privacy very seriously. Your personal information is kept strictly confidential and is never shared with immigration enforcement agencies. We follow strict data protection protocols to keep you safe.
If you’re detained, remain calm and remember your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Use the ReadyNow app, and have a plan in place. You need to have memorized a trusted friend who has your A number, your full name and date of birth, and practice what you would want them to do. If you have an attorney, as them what you should do. Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer.
Visit our Resources page to find free and low-cost legal services. Many organizations offer pro bono representation for youth and families. We can help connect you with the right legal support.
Many legal service providers offer free (pro bono) representation or work on a sliding scale based on income. We can help connect you with organizations that provide free legal assistance to immigrants and refugees.
It depends on your immigration status. Some visa categories allow work authorization, and you may be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Contact a legal service provider to discuss your specific situation.
Processing times vary significantly depending on the type of application and individual circumstances. Some cases take months, others take years. An immigration attorney can provide a more specific timeline for your case.
Keep originals of all immigration documents, birth certificates, passports, court papers, and any correspondence from immigration authorities in a safe place. Keep a copy of your work authorization and Immigration ID card with you at all times. Make copies and store them separately, and share copies with a trusted friend or family member.
