New River Valley Immigrant Advocates is seeing volunteer to drive immigrants living in the New River Valley to immigration hearings in Richmond and Northern Virginia.
The New River Valley Immigrant Advocates, formed to assist immigrants.
The group was formed to help immigrant families and individuals thrive in our community.
“One of the needs that rose quickly to the top is transportation to Richmond and to Northern Virginia for check-ins and hearings with immigration officials,” the group said in an announcement seeking drivers.
These check-ins are mandatory for those seeking asylum in our country. If an individual misses even one appointment, that person is put on the immediate deportation list. Most of those who must make these trips do not have their own transportation.
Many who must attend check-ins must make the trip every two weeks.
Because the expense of travel can easily use up the monthly income of someone who is working for low wages, the group is looking for drivers who can donate that transportation.
“We are compiling a listserv of willing drivers who can make a day long up-and-back trip to help our neighbors keep their appointments,” the group said in the announcement. “When we become aware of a driving need, we send an email to the listserv asking for a volunteer driver.”
Then, when a volunteer is found, the group sends details of where/when to meet the individual(s) and the address of the hearing/meeting.
“We can also provide a Spanish-speaking interpreter to work out the details of the trip. At this time, we do not have enough Spanish-speaking people to serve as interpreters during the trip. But, we do love Google Translate!” the announcement said.
Are you able to be a volunteer driver to assist these neighbors? If so, please feel free to email nrvimmigrantadvocates@gmail.com and let us know. Then, we can start a background check for you. Once it comes back, we will put you on the listserv to start receiving notices of upcoming needs.
If you aren’t able to be a driver, feel free to donate to NRV Immigrant Advocates, so that we can pay drivers to provide transportation.
You may make a check to Glade Church (1600 Glade Road) with NRV Immigrant Advocates in the memo line and mail to PO Box 11565, Blacksburg, VA 24062. Glade Church has a restricted fund set aside for the use of the Immigrant Advocates. The money will only be used to assist the immigrant neighbors.