The YMCA was created by young people trying to navigate their way in a new city, far from family, friends, and a familiar way of life. Welcoming and engaging newcomers has remained an important part of the YMCA movement, with Y’s around the world providing individuals and families the integration support they need to better transition into their new communities.

YMCA International Services is a unique center of the YMCA of Greater Houston that delivers client-centered programs to refugees, immigrants and other vulnerable populations to advance their economic independence, social integration and civic participation. The Y helps newcomers restore hope, build stability, create opportunity and change futures. YMCA International Services is continuously recognized as a leader in the Houston immigrant community.

Satellite Office Information:
Immigration Legal Services
6671 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77074
713-758-9280

Post Release Services
6671 Southwest Freeway, Suite 275
Houston, TX 77074

Alief Family YMCA
7850 Howell Sugar Land Road
Houston, TX 77083

• Contact us at 713-758-9280 for more questions or to schedule an appointment.
• For general information about immigration, please go to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
• If you have a pending case with USCIS and a receipt notice, you can check your case status.
• If you have an Immigration Court date pending, you can call to check your status at (800)-898-7180.
• If a member of your family has been detained, you can locate them.
• If you have moved and need to change your official address with the government.
• For general legal resources, including immigration resources.

Other Resources

• Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Immigrants, Department of State
• Office of Refugee Resettlement, Department of Health and Human Services
• United Nations High Commission on Refugees
• National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Community Resources

• YMCA International Services Food Pantry: Fridays from 10:00am-12:00pm
• Do you live in Texas and can’t afford your rent? We are here to help. Stop TX Eviction Portal

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Khuda arrived in the US with his wife, Bibi, and their children in July of 2020. Khuda had worked for the American Special Forces for almost 8 years in Afghanistan, his home country. His job was to assist the US to defuse landmines. Not only was this a dangerous line of work, but also allying with US forces put Khuda and his family in even more danger. Khuda was shot 3 times and also survived a landmine explosion. He was able to recover from these injuries, but Khuda still felt that he and his family were no longer safe in Afghanistan. Because of his work with the American Special Forces, he and his family were eventually able to come to the US with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV.) With YMCA’s assistance, Khuda quickly found a job working for a security company. His wife, while also caring for the children at home, is attending online ESL classes to improve her English.

Despite his hardship in Afghanistan and despite arriving in the US in the middle of a pandemic, Khuda is upbeat and optimistic about his family’s future. He is excited about advancing his career and enjoying life with his family here in Houston.