I was a student volunteer at IASC from January 2018 until May 2019, and it was one of the best volunteer experiences I've had. I feel Mike, Joe, Kathy, and Angela were all invested in the volunteers, and constantly guided us on not only work related to IASC, but also questions we have in college, law school, or work.
I worked on client matters, drafted research memos and grant applications, did client intake, organized local walk-in events, and learned file management. The legal work is personal and fulfilling, and it shaped my understanding of what the practice of law can look like. Even if I later went on to practice in a different field of law, I still remembered the care devoted to each client at IASC, and tried to emulate that in whichever way I can for my pro bono clients.
To meet a good lawyer isn’t easy. Among the lawyers there are many specialists who deserve respect, but to find a right one it is very difficult! I was really lucky that I could find right place to solve my case. From all my heart I would like to say thank you to attorney Joseph J. Marino for his expertise, honesty and sincerity. Highly qualified specialist and professional. Also many thanks to Sulfica Taylor for her attentive and sensitive attitude. Everything was explained to me in detail and clearly. I will definitely recommend them everyone who needs help with legal immigration services.
I have served on IASC's Board of Directors for the past four years and have witnessed the organization's growth in efficiency and the number of clients served. Most importantly, the organization has a lot of heart. All of the staff members are passionately dedicated to IASC's mission and the same can be said for all of the Board and volunteers. There is a dearth of reliable and affordable legal services for our most vulnerable neighbors. IASC fills that void with professionalism and compassion.
I had a great experience at IASC. Joe (the Executive Director) and Angela (the head Paralegal) were so welcoming when I began volunteering there in 2019 and they taught me a ton about immigration law. The clients are awesome as well; it's really fulfilling to work with people from all over the world and know that your work is improving the lives and economy of everyone in the greater New London area. It was a place I was happy to be whenever I was there, and I made lasting friendships with Joe, Angela, and Kathy. I worked on client forms and other submissions to USCIS, did intakes, participated in client interviews and anything else that was needed. It is a small and tight-knit office and there is always opportunity to learn and work on new things.
I ended up covering for Angela full time when she went on maternity leave and IASC generously sent me to a 40-hour Immigration Legal Resource Council immigration law training course in Bridgeport. Joe also wrote me a letter of recommendation when I applied to law school, and I know that his letter, my experience at IASC, and the ILRC training course played a big part in my acceptance to many schools. I also decided to pursue immigration law as a career in and after law school - my wonderful experience at IASC played a huge part in this decision. I recommend IASC to all!
IASC has been of immense help to UCFS patients and the community. IASC generously provided free sessions to UCFS patients who otherwise would not have been able to afford it. IASC staff continues to provide onsite services at UCFS allowing individuals that may have transportation issues to have more access to legal services. We are very fortunate to have IASC as a resource for our community and our patients.
As the former director of immigration practice for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (Retired), I was Keenly aware of the dearth of quality and affordable legal services for immigrants in Connecticut. This was especially evident in eastern Connecticut. Since its inception, I have observed firsthand how IASC became a recognized and accredited immigration agency the Department of Justice (DOJ). Under the leadership of Attorney Marino and a committed Board of Directors, all of the staff and volunteers serving clients have undergone an extensive and rigorous process to become DOJ Accredited Immigration Legal Representatives. Delivering legal services in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and English, IASC continues to demonstrate its commitment to serving the needs of the rapidly diverse immigrant population in southeastern Connecticut.
For these, and many other reasons, after retirement a few years ago, I now serve as a volunteer and board member for IASC.
Thank God for IASC!
Rev. William (Bill) Rivera)
Church of the City, New London
As a volunteer at the Immigration Advocacy and Support Center (IASC), I am very impressed with the professional, compassionate, effective, and affordable legal services that this non-profit organization provides to immigrants who are applying for citizenship, a green card or other status. IASC manages casework covering a wide range of immigration issues and is able to individualize services to meet each client’s specific situation and needs. The Executive Director of IASC, Joseph Marino, is an experienced immigration attorney who personally prepares and accompanies clients for their interview with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency (USCIS). The IASC staff also includes Angela Flores, a bilingual paralegal, who assists clients complete required documents and supervises a crew of dedicated volunteers. As a volunteer, I found it particularly gratifying to help clients study for the oral citizenship exam. IASC expertise, advocacy, guidance and support are invaluable to immigrants, especially those for whom English is a second language, when confronting the myriad of daunting and confusing immigration laws, procedures and paperwork.
Howard M. Weiss, Ph.D.
I am a librarian at Otis Library in Norwich, CT. I have worked with Immigration Advocacy and Support Center for the past 6 years. IASC is our main partner in providing citizenship consultation sessions and one on one immigration legal services to our patrons and community in Norwich. Attorney Joseph Marino and staff offer a very important service to immigrants in Southeastern Connecticut.
Bassem Gayed
Multicultural Services Coordinator
Otis Library
IASC has been extremely helpful to the 250 ESOL students at Norwich Regional Adult Education in CT. Not only do they help people with individual appointments, including having the legal immigration expertise to advise those completing the N-400 application, waiting to qualify for Citizenship, those with TPS visas, and anyone with a complicated situation, but IASC comes to Adult Education and to our Citizenship classes every year with a presentation on sorting out the complicated details of immigration to the United States. This fall, they were able to bring staff to present and have a chance for Q&A in three languages, which was a huge help to our students. The staff have great expertise and are motivated to help.
I have been a volunteer for IASC for almost five years. Over the last five years the organization has grown exponentially and has become a well respected integral member of the community while providing affordable legal help to immigrants. The IASC staff, Attorney Marino, Angela, Sulfica and Jennifer are dedicated professionals helping each and every client navigate the very complicated immigration process. Helping their clients obtain Legal Permanent Residency or Citizenship is a critical step to achieving financial security and becoming a successful member of this country.
Nicolette Doukas