Calls for immigration help to Catholic Charities OKC have reached record highs in 2025, as more refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Oklahoma and federal immigration policies continue to change. The organization, based at 1232 N. Classen Boulevard in Oklahoma City, has become a lifeline for low-income immigrants and families seeking legal and social support.
Staff at Catholic Charities OKC report a sharp rise in phone calls and requests for help, especially after recent federal policy changes and new arrivals of refugees and asylum seekers. Executive Director Patrick Raglow addressed the public on January 31, 2025, stating, “We remain committed to serving all who come to us, regardless of their background, and to providing accurate information and legal support to immigrants and refugees.” This surge in demand has led to longer wait times for appointments, but the organization continues to adjust its operations to meet the growing needs of the community.
Expanded Services and Community Outreach
Catholic Charities OKC offers a wide range of immigration legal services, including help with Adjustment of Status, Asylum Applications, Consular Processing, DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Employment Authorization, Family-Based Petitions, Naturalization/Citizenship, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, T Visas for trafficking victims, TPS (Temporary Protected Status), U Visas for crime victims, and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Petitions. For example, if someone needs to apply for asylum, the organization can help them complete the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.
In addition to legal services, Catholic Charities OKC provides non-legal support such as Legal Orientation Programs, Know Your Rights presentations, legislative advocacy, psychological and psychiatric services, and referrals to other agencies. They also support at-risk groups, including domestic violence victims, farm workers, trafficking survivors, juveniles, and torture survivors.
To help immigrants better understand their rights, the organization promotes the “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app, which offers legal information in multiple languages and emergency features for those facing law enforcement encounters. This tool is especially useful for refugees and asylum seekers who may not be familiar with U.S. laws or their rights during police or immigration stops.
How to Get Immigration Help from Catholic Charities OKC
With the high demand for services, Catholic Charities OKC has set up a clear process for those seeking immigration help:
- Initial Contact: Call (405) 523-3001 or 1-800-375-8514 to request a consultation. Due to the large number of calls, you must leave a voicemail with your contact information.
- Screening: Staff will return calls in the order they are received to check eligibility and schedule an appointment if appropriate.
- Consultation: Attend your scheduled appointment, either in person or virtually, to review your case and discuss next steps.
- Service Provision: If you qualify, you will receive legal help with forms, filings, and representation before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other authorities.
- Referrals: If you are not eligible or your case is outside the organization’s scope, you will receive a referral list for other legal resources.
All services require an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted due to the high volume of requests. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closing for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Eligibility and Language Support
Catholic Charities OKC serves people with verifiable low income. They do not provide services to those currently detained, in removal proceedings, or with criminal convictions, but they offer referrals for those outside their service scope. Services are available in English and Spanish, and commercial interpreting is available for other languages, making it easier for refugees and asylum seekers from diverse backgrounds to get help.
Responding to Policy Changes and Community Needs
Federal policy changes in 2024 and 2025 have brought more refugees and asylum seekers to Oklahoma, increasing the need for immigration help. Catholic Charities OKC has responded by training more staff, recruiting additional volunteers, and working with local and national partners to handle the higher caseload. The organization also takes part in legislative advocacy, both to respond to state-level immigration enforcement proposals and to support federal reforms that could benefit immigrants.
Patrick Raglow, the Executive Director, has publicly reaffirmed the organization’s mission, saying, “We serve all in need, regardless of background, and provide accurate information and legal support to immigrants and refugees.” Catholic Charities OKC works closely with the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, local parishes, and the national Catholic Charities network to coordinate services and advocacy efforts.
Impact on the Community and Stakeholders
The surge in calls and requests for immigration help has led to longer wait times for appointments and consultations. Catholic Charities OKC now prioritizes urgent cases, such as family reunification, humanitarian relief, and vulnerable populations like unaccompanied minors and trafficking survivors. For cases outside their capacity, they provide referrals to private immigration attorneys and other nonprofits, including Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and OKLaw.
Some community members have raised concerns about whether nonprofits can keep up with the rising demand, especially as federal and state policies change. Catholic Charities OKC has responded by advocating for more funding and policy reforms to support humanitarian relief and legal access for all immigrants.
Background and Historical Context
Catholic Charities OKC has a long history of providing immigration legal services, with demand rising and falling in response to national policy changes, global events, and local enforcement trends. In recent years, Oklahoma has become a destination for resettled refugees, and the organization’s role has grown as federal enforcement priorities have shifted.
The organization’s commitment to serving refugees and asylum seekers is rooted in its mission to help the most vulnerable. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Catholic Charities OKC is widely recognized as a leading provider of immigration legal services in Oklahoma, with a strong reputation for serving marginalized populations.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Challenges
Looking ahead, Catholic Charities OKC expects continued high demand for immigration legal services through the rest of 2025, especially if federal refugee admissions and humanitarian parole programs expand. The organization is seeking more funding, volunteers, and legislative support to keep up with the growing needs of the community.
To help meet these challenges, Catholic Charities OKC is expanding its outreach and education efforts, including promoting resources like the “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app and working with partners to provide a broader safety net for immigrants and refugees.
Practical Tips for Those Seeking Help
If you or someone you know needs immigration help, here are some practical steps to follow:
- Call Early: Due to high call volume, it’s best to call as early as possible and be prepared to leave a detailed voicemail with your name, contact information, and a brief description of your situation.
- Be Patient: Staff return calls in the order received. Wait times may be longer than usual, but every effort is made to respond to all requests.
- Gather Documents: Before your appointment, gather any documents related to your immigration status, such as passports, visas, notices from USCIS, or court documents.
- Use Trusted Resources: For urgent legal rights information, download the “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app or visit trusted websites like USCIS.gov for official forms and updates.
- Ask About Referrals: If Catholic Charities OKC cannot help with your case, ask for a referral to another trusted legal service provider.
Contact Information and Additional Resources
- Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City – Immigration Legal Services
- Address: 1232 N. Classen Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
- Phone: (405) 523-3001
- Toll-Free: 1-800-375-8514
- Website: catholiccharitiesok.org/immigration-legal-services
- Volunteer Coordinator: Sara Bobbitt, (405) 523-3001, [email protected]
- Other Legal Resources: www.oklaw.org, www.legalaidok.org
For more information about official immigration forms, visit the USCIS Forms page.
Catholic Charities OKC continues to play a vital role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers, offering hope and practical help to those facing uncertain futures. By adapting to changing policies and community needs, the organization remains a trusted source of immigration help for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable residents.
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