I hope that you are all keeping well and enjoying a quiet and restful summer.
A few brief notes to highlight regarding the IDC.
At the moment the office has reopened but is strictly by appointment only. We are limiting the traffic to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Please note that the passport office in Dublin has yet to resume regular services so there are long delays with passport and citizenship applications. If you are eligible to renew your Irish passport online, that is the most efficient way to process the document.
Consultations for the legal clinic still remain virtual and our volunteer attorneys stand ready to answer your immigration questions. Take a look at our social media feeds for up-to-date information about the recent executive orders related to immigration.
We are pleased to announce our first, monthly will US Citizenship Day! Appointments can be scheduled for July 31 in the office to complete your application for the N-400 form requesting citizenship. If you are debating whether now is the right time, be aware that fees are rising significantly in the fall.
All of our other programs will remain virtual for the time being. We have a two-part study group starting this month and genealogy continues over Zoom.
For our teenagers, we have a fantastic Leadership for Life program (module 1) starting on Thursday over Zoom. This will run twice a week until September. Students are eligible to receive a certificate from NUI, Galway on completion of the third module of Leadership for Life. This program is free but you need to get your application in by July 14 at 6 pm.
We are monitoring the current local COVID-19 recommendations and as circumstances change we will modify our programs. If there are any programs or seminars that you would like to see the IDC offer, please reach out to me at emily@idcphila.org.
Please continue to stay safe and we hope to see you all again soon!
Emily Ashinhurst
Executive Director
Monday, July 20 from 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM via Zoom video conferencing or phone.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing. Every Monday we have one of our Immigration Lawyers available to answer any of your immigration questions or concerns. All are welcome. Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.
Leadership for Life. July 16 - September 3
***A few places left. Sign up now ***
Sign up for Foróige's free virtual summer program - Leadership for Life today. Graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, which is accredited at NFQ Level 6 (National University Ireland, Galway). All are welcome
Module 1 Dates: July 16 - September 3
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday (3 PM - 4 PM over Zoom)
The history of An Gorta Mor and the Dust Bowl - Study group.
Tue, Jul 28 and Tue, Aug 4, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Join facilitator, Bill McCray, for the first in our new study group series. This series encourages participants to work together to create an interactive Zoom session.
Each topic is a two-part program. The participants need to register in advance. They will receive instructions one week prior to commencing. Each lesson contains a brief summary of the event, questions to direct research and stimulate discussion, and a list of recommended resources including history, arts, and culture.
The first topic comparing and contrasting An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger, Ireland), and the Dust Bowl (US). Each participant will receive a certificate for completion.
Please register for this group by July 17 by emailing Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org.
Irish County Genealogy Resources - Evening Genealogy Group
Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Join Genealogist, Lori Lander Murphy, as she discusses the different county resources available for Irish genealogy research. She will discuss some of the most popular tools available and how to access them to further your own research.
To sign up for this group please contact Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org. This meeting will be held over Zoom.
USA Citizenship Day - Friday, July 31, 2020, 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Do you need some help with completing your U.S. citizenship paperwork? With U.S.C.I.S. fees about to increase in the fall perhaps now is the time. Book your appointment now at our free legal clinic to complete your documents and speak with an immigration lawyer.
