Immigrant and

Refugee Services

YWCA has been at the frontline of serving immigrants and refugees since the beginning of the 20th century. Nationally, YWCA is listed on Ellis Island as being a welcoming organization providing services to newly arrived immigrants, as well as providing some of the very first English Language courses.

YWCA Tulsa has been dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees for more than 35 years, and we continue to be focused on addressing systemic disparities for newcomers, eliminate barriers, and invest in the success of those who have come to our community to build a new life.

Legal Services

Our legal team is accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Legal Access Programs and has served Tulsa newcomers for over 25 years. Our staff includes a full-time immigration attorney and bilingual DOJ-accredited immigration representatives.

We specialize in naturalization and family-based immigration cases. YWCA Tulsa also works in partnership with DVIS to assist non-citizen survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence obtain lawful status. Additionally, YWCA legal team, provides assistance to individuals seeking Temporary Protected Status, renewal of green cards, and DACA.

  • • All new individuals seeking legal representation must schedule an initial consultation with a member of our legal team. Because each case is unique, we cannot provide legal information or agree to representation before a consultation.

    • Appointments are available M-Th, 8:30am-5pm and Fri, 8:30am-1pm. Call 918-663-0377 or 800-506-6211.

    • Consultations determine eligibility and provide details for available immigration benefits. A consultation DOES NOT GUARANTEE REPRESENTATION by YWCA Tulsa.

    • Our staff will identify important issues that may affect your applications and how to address them.

    • If we open your case, we will complete your application accurately and promptly.

    • Once your application has been filed, we provide updates on your case.

    • If your case requires an interview, we will provide interview preparation with one of our legal representatives.

  • All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. To help navigate the current socio-political environment, American Immigration Lawyers Association has created documents specifying immigrant rights should you encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

    If you are undocumented and ICE agents knock on your door without a warrant, you have the right to:

    • Not open the door

    • Remain silent

    • Speak to a lawyer

    To gain a better understanding of these rights, click here. Para el español, haga clic aquí.

    You also have rights should ICE come to your work place. If immigration officers come to your place of employment, they must have a valid search warrant or the consent of your employer to enter non-public areas. If you are undocumented and immigration officers come to your work place, be aware of the following:

    • Do not panic and do not run away

    • You have the right to remain silent

    • You have the right to speak to a lawyer.

    To gain better understanding of these work place-related rights, click here.

  • • U.S. Citizenship

    • Adjustment of Status (obtaining a Legal Permanent Resident card/Green Card)

    • Petitions for Alien Relatives and Refugee/Asylee Relatives – Immediate Relative or F2-B Category only

    • Renewal or Replacement of legal Permanent Resident Card

    • Immigrant Visas

    • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

    • FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests

    • Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Re-registration

    • Passport and Immigration photos

    • U. S. Passport Applications

    • Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence

    • VAWA self-petitions

    • U and T visas

    We do not provide immigration forms for non-clients. You can download them at uscis.gov.

    Call 918-663-0377 to schedule a consultation.

  • Need passport style photos? Come to YWCA Tulsa’s East Community Center at 8145 E 17th Street.

    Two passport style photos for $10.

    By appointment only:

    Call 918-663-0377 or email reception@ywcatulsa.orgreception@ywcatulsa.org for more information.

  • Notary services are available at the YWCA South Tulsa location at 6450 S. Lewis Ave, Suite 300.

    $5 per document. ID required.

    By appointment only:

    Call 918-663-0377 or email reception@ywcatulsa.orgreception@ywcatulsa.org to schedule an appointment.

Interpretation & Translation Services

YWCA Tulsa provides professional interpretation and translation services to ensure all Tulsans have access to services across the city. Revenue from our translation and interpretation services is reinvested back into YWCA Tulsa programming, allowing us to serve more people.

Current languages include Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Farsi, French, Hmong, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Zomi.

Call (918) 858-2345 or email interpretation@ywcatulsa.org for additional information or to set up a contract for services.

Services include but are not limited to:

Community – interpretation for client appointments and group events, translation of flyers, marketing and community education materials.

Medical – interpretation for appointments and translation of related medical resources and documents.

School – interpretation for individual appointments and school events and translation of flyers and transcripts.

Legal – interpretation for client appointments and translation of legal documents.

Interpretation

Training of Oklahoma

(ITOK)

Become a Trained, Professional Interpreter with our 40-Hour Program

UPDATE SESSION: April 29 - May 10, 2024

YWCA Tulsa, in partnership with Tulsa Health Department, is offering an interpretation training program, designed for bilingual individuals with or without formal interpretation experience. Participants will learn professional interpretation skills and can bring their new skills and knowledge to their current positions. Participants are also eligible to apply to become a contract interpreter with YWCA.

Priority will be given to partners of the Tulsa Health Department.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completed high school equivalent degree

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Individuals proficient in English AND a second language.

• Access to a computer, internet, and microphone/video capabilities.

Become a YWCA Tulsa Interpreter

Interested individuals should complete and submit the form below along with a resume and cover letter. A member of YWCA Tulsa staff will be in touch shortly with more information.

Adult and Family Education

Refugee Youth Mentoring Program

The Refugee Youth Mentoring Program offers mentorship to individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 who are refugees. The program extends English language assistance, aids with school projects, guides in the college, scholarship, and job application processes, and provides support in resume writing.

Additionally, it focuses on vocational advancement, job readiness, and facilitates connections to essential resources for the participating youth.

Citizenship Class

For students at intermediate and above levels of English proficiency.

The 66-hour, 11-week Citizenship class focuses on the US civics vocabulary and history needed to pass the US naturalization exam. All 100 exam questions are covered and emphasis is put on interview practice.

Students will be assessed before and after the program.

To enroll in classes or get more information, please call (918) 858-2412 or email reception@ywcatulsa.org

YWCA Tulsa Adult and Family Education services are designed to help immigrants and refugees become economically self-sufficient and engaged in the community. We offer a variety of services to advance English language acquisition, promote community engagement, and support learning for the whole family.

Visit the pages for more details or call 918-858-2412 or email reception@ywcatulsa.org for more information.