How Mid-Missouri charities are preparing for an influx of migrants

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

With Title 42 set to expire this week, the United States is preparing for a surge of migrants at the southern border.

According to Homeland Security there are more than 8,000 daily encounters at the border and that number could reach 10,000 once Title 42 expires.  

Charities around Mid-Missouri are preparing for a possible influx of migrants and their families.

Ashley Wiskirchen, with Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri in Jefferson City explained their Family Immigration Services program. The program has four full-time Department of Justice accredited representatives on staff who are able to practice immigration law.

"They help with immigration consultations, primarily focused on family reunification. Our DOJ accredited representatives also help with pathways to citizenship, DACA and providing resources and referrals to immigrants. Typically those services are a lot less expensive than a traditional immigration lawyer," Wiskirchen said.

Alongside legal services, Catholic Charities provides wrap around to anyone who lives in the counties that they serve. This includes those who are seeking help through the Family Immigration program.

"We do have a HUD certified housing counselor on staff, we do have a financial stability services member on staff, we do have a food pantry that does not have an income limits, it's very low barrier for families to sign up." Wiskirchen said.

Catholic Charities handled 467 legal immigration cases in 2022.