• The word “immigrant” refers to anyone moving to the United States from another country. On the other hand, although used interchangeably in everyday language, “asylum seekers” and “refugees” are distinct in the eyes of the law.
• Both asylum seekers and refugees have fled their country in fear of persecution based on one of five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (i.e., LGBTQ).
• Refugees hail from specified areas of the world and are vetted outside the country by the US Refugee Admissions Program. They receive work authorization on arrival in this country, and are eligible for lifesaving benefits, legal, medical, and financial assistance directly and indirectly provided by the government and resettlement agencies.
• Asylum seekers, on the other hand, are prohibited from earning a living for as long as the government takes to process their paperwork – typically 6 to 9 months. At the same time, they have limited access to the baseline benefits which refugees enjoy.

ISA volunteers primarily serve people re-settling in Massachusetts communities north of Boston.

ISA serves asylum seekers and refugees from around the world. We work with resettlement agencies and other groups to identify people in our area who need assistance. 

Yes. Immigrant Support Alliance is an affiliate of the Community Coalition of Melrose, which the IRS recognizes as a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  

No, legal services are usually provided by resettlement agencies or obtained independently by clients. Various advocacy groups list immigration lawyers online or by phone.

ISA meets on the first Tuesday of the month in Melrose, MA.  Contact us at info@immigrantsupportalliance.org for information.

ISA receives support from individuals and organizations alike.  No ISA member receives payment for their time. 

Most ISA volunteers live north of Boston in Melrose, Malden, Medford, Wakefield, or Winchester.  Some participate as global citizens, others also identify as members of area faith groups such as the First Congregational Church of Melrose, Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church, First Congregational Church of Winchester, and Temple Beth Shalom of Melrose.  ISA has enjoyed partnerships with organizations such as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston (CCAB) and the New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM).