Q:         What is ISAAC?
A:         The Immigration Service and Aid Center (“ISAAC”) is a nationwide effort utilizing local church-based ministries to help immigrants work through citizenship and immigration issues.  It is a joint ministry between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and Buckner International.  ISAAC helps churches and leaders gain “recognition” and “accreditation” from the U.S. government. This enables church workers to provide immigrants with assistance in the preparation of immigration forms and under certain circumstances, represent them in special immigration courts.

Q:         How does a church or organization become recognized?
A:         A non-profit organization that wishes to obtain recognition must file a formal application and prove to the satisfaction of federal immigration officials that it only charges “nominal fees” for its services and that it has  “adequate knowledge, information and experience” in immigration matters.  A recognized organization then must apply for accreditation on behalf of its representative and prove to the satisfaction of federal immigration officials that the representative has adequate knowledge and experience in immigration and naturalization law.

Q:         How does ISAAC help a church and its members with this process?
A:         For very small monthly fees, ISAAC can provide training and training scholarships for BGCT affiliated church members in immigration law and procedure.  ISAAC can also provide the church with powerful software and research tools which allow it to operate an immigration ministry.

Q:         How long is the recognition/accreditation process?
A:         The recognition and accreditation process can be rigorous and could take a year or more for an organization or representative with no prior immigration experience.

Q:         What else does ISAAC do?
A:         ISAAC will serve as an educational resource for our churches.  We plan to serve our churches by educating them about employment and ministry issues in this area.  ISAAC is also leading an effort to specifically assist members of our Baptist clergy that wish to become citizens.

If you would like to talk further about starting an immigration ministry or finding training in your area, please email Richard Muñoz or call 214-828-5196.