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Berkshire Immigrant Center's
Monthly Bulletin
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June 2026 | What's Inside:
- National Immigrant Heritage Month
- Ways to Support Immigrants and Families in Our Community: Practical Ways to Share Support, Resources, and Solidarity
- Beacon of Hope 2026: Thanks to Our Supporters
- Immigration Updates: New USCIS Policy: Most Green Card Applicants Must Apply from Outside the US | USCIS Will Reject Asylum Applications if Annual Fee is Unpaid
- BIC Programs, Events & More: Upcoming Clinics & Presentations for Immigrants & Allies
- Community Events: Say Hello & Learn More About BIC
- Local Support: Organizations That Are Supporting BIC
- Community Programs: Programs That Benefit Our Community
- How to Support BIC
- Contact BIC & Stay Informed
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June is Immigrant Heritage Month, a time to honor the journeys, traditions, and contributions of immigrants and to recognize the many ways immigrant communities continue to shape and strengthen our region.
At BIC, we witness this impact every day in the stories shared with us, the resilience of the people and families we serve, and the cultures, languages, and experiences that enrich Berkshire County and the surrounding region. We invite you to celebrate immigrant heritage by attending local events, uplifting immigrant voices, creating space for conversations about issues affecting immigrants, and supporting organizations like BIC through volunteering, advocacy, or giving.
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Ways You Can Help Support Our Immigrant Community
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Educate and Empower Your Community
- Host or attend Know Your Rights presentations
- Support family preparedness planning
- Distribute information on behalf of immigrant-serving organizations
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Support Local Organizations and Advocacy Work
- Donate to immigrant-serving organizations
- Organize or contribute to fundraisers
- Volunteer professional skills
- Join or help strengthen boards
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Advocate for Change
- Contact local and state officials
- Speak out against harmful enforcement practices
- Educate others
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Stand in Solidarity
- Attend immigrant rights events and public actions
- Amplify immigrant voices
- Offer emotional and practical support
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Help Reach Vulnerable Community Members
- Spread the word about legal changes
- Refer individuals for immigration screenings
- Help an immigrant collect documentation to prove continuous presence in the US
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To learn more about the important work we do at BIC and access resources, please visit berkshireic.org, or contact us at info@berkshireic.org or 413.445.4881.
Together, we can help immigrants across Berkshire County and the surrounding region access trusted information, practical resources, and support as they build safer, more secure futures.
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This year’s Beacon of Hope benefit was a powerful reminder of the care, commitment, and community that make BIC’s work possible.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, attendees, volunteers, and supporters for helping create such a meaningful evening in support of immigrants and families. Your generosity helps sustain BIC’s affordable, trustworthy immigration legal services, citizenship support, community education, advocacy, and referrals to essential resources. Thank you for believing in this work and for helping our neighbors move through moments of uncertainty with trusted guidance, practical support, and hope for safer, more secure futures.
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Photos: Eric Korenman & Michael Nancollas.
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With gratitude to our Major Sponsors
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Special thanks to our generous In-Kind Donors
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For a full list of sponsors, please see our program.
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There is still time to support our immigrant community.
Your donation helps sustain BIC’s essential services for immigrants and families across Berkshire County and the surrounding region.
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Stay informed with the latest changes, announcements, and legal developments related to immigration laws and procedures.
For past immigration updates, please visit BIC's website at berkshireic.org/resources/immigration-updates
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New USCIS Policy:
Most Green Card Applicants Must Apply from Outside the US
On May 21, USCIS announced that under a new policy, they will only approve adjustment of status (green cards) in extraordinary circumstances. They argue that the normal procedure for green card applicants is to go through processing at overseas consulates, which are overseen by the State Department rather than USCIS.
Applying for a green card from within the United States has historically been a routine and widely-used pathway, but it may now become more restrictive. The new policy does not apply to all categories of applicants, and the requirements for green card eligibility have not changed.
To determine whether an individual can or should apply requires a detailed analysis of their specific circumstances, so it is recommended to seek professional legal advice from a licensed attorney or accredited representative like the ones at BIC. Please contact us if you have questions: 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.org
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USCIS Will Reject Asylum Applications If Annual Fee is Unpaid
Effective May 29, USCIS is implementing several new rules related to the H.R.1 funding bill, which passed last year:
- The annual asylum fee of $102 must be paid within 30 days of USCIS notice. Otherwise, the application will be rejected, work authorization will be revoked, and individuals without other status may be placed in removal proceedings.
- Fees will not be refunded for asylum applications that are rejected for any reason.
- TPS-based work authorization is limited to a maximum of one year or the duration of the TPS designation, whichever is shorter.
Note that these rules are for people seeking asylum through USCIS and do not apply to applications submitted by people in immigration court proceedings. However, similar rules are in place for those individuals, and they are still required to pay the annual asylum fee.
Please contact BIC if you have questions: 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.org
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BIC Programs, Events & More
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BIC offers recurring monthly programs to help community members stay informed, update important information, and connect with trusted legal support. These programs are one part of our broader work alongside immigrants, families, allies, and communities across Berkshire County and the surrounding region.
Below are upcoming dates for July, August, and September. Please note whether each program requires advance registration, an appointment, or is open to walk-ins.
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Immigration Updates
with BIC
July 1 | 11am-12pm
August 5 | 11am-12pm
September 2 | 11am-12pm
Join a BIC case worker to learn about the latest immigration policy changes, legal updates, and government announcements, and answer your questions.
These monthly online presentations are offered in English. Advance registration is required: rb.gy/vwq60g.
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Walk-In Clinics
for Change of Address
July 1 | 4-6pm
August 5 | 4-6pm
September 2 | 4-6pm
Bring documents that were given to you at the border and meet with a BIC case worker for 30-minute sessions to change your address with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and/or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
This monthly walk-in clinic is free of charge.
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Non-Immigration
Law Clinic
July 14 | 10am-12pm
August 11 | 10am-12pm
September 8 | 10am-12pm
Meet with an attorney from Campoli, Monteleone & Mozian P.C. to address urgent legal concerns not related to immigration.
These 30-minute sessions must be scheduled in advance. Please contact BIC’s office at 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.org.
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BIC also offers presentations and workshops to local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups by request.
Whether you would like to learn more about our services, understand your constitutionally protected rights during encounters with ICE, or arrange a custom presentation on a different topic related to immigration, we can help!
To arrange a presentation, please contact Education Director Donovan Snyder at donovan@berkshireic.org.
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Alongside these upcoming events, BIC's team is here to support immigrants and their families in many other ways, including:
- Immigration legal consultations and eligibility assessments
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Legal representation for family-based immigration cases
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Referrals to licensed immigration attorneys and local service providers
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Free citizenship test preparation classes
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Presentations, trainings, and workshops on various immigration topics
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Emergency financial assistance
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Say hello to Team BIC at these upcoming community events.
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BCAC Community Day
July 16 | 10am-2pm
Pittsfield Common Park
Join Berkshire Community Action Council and other local agencies for a family-friendly day of food, fun, and community connection. Attendees can learn more about the many services and resources available across Berkshire County while enjoying frozen treats and picnic fare, children’s activities, a bike raffle, obstacle course, and more.
To learn more, please visit Facebook Event: BCAC Community Day
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Support the organizations who support BIC.
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Morgenthal Exhibit at Kimball Farms Supports BIC
BIC thanks artists Richard and Leslie Morgenthal, whose work is currently on view in the Connector Gallery at Kimball Farms through August 23. The exhibit features Richard Morgenthal’s abstract paintings and landscapes alongside Leslie Morgenthal’s photographs from around the world.
Proceeds from artwork sales benefit Berkshire Immigrant Center. Learn more at Facebook: Morgenthal Exhibit at Kimball Farms
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News and opportunities from across our community.
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Free Meals for Kids and Teens
Thanks to local schools, community organizations, and the Massachusetts Department of Education, kids can stay nourished, active, and connected while school is out. Through Project Bread’s Summer Eats program, children and teens can enjoy free breakfast, lunch, and snacks at open meal sites across MA. No sign-up or ID required, just stop by a location near you!
For details and locations, please visit: projectbread.org/summer-eats-program
Para obtener más información y conocer las ubicaciones, visite: projectbread.org/es/summereats
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Every day, BIC helps individuals and families navigate an immigration system that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain.
Please stand with the Berkshire immigrant community.
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— Location —
141 North Street
Suite 303, 3rd floor
Pittsfield, MA
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— Hours —
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-6pm
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BIC’s office is closed daily from 12-1pm.
Outside of these hours, please leave a voicemail at 413-445-4881 or email us at info@berkshireic.org and a staff member will follow up.
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To learn about BIC’s services, make an appointment, discover resources, and access valuable information, visit berkshireic.org. For weekly updates — including immigration policy changes, upcoming BIC workshops and clinics, and Berkshire community news — please follow us on social media.
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