The Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or service that it provides. EIIC will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group. This policy establishes a framework for taking reasonable steps to ensure access to all services provided by Emerald Isle Immigration Center and establishes procedures whereby EIIC will receive and investigate allegations of discrimination.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the overarching civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, in any program, service or activity that receives federal assistance. Specifically, Title VI assures that “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.” Nondiscrimination prohibitions have been further broadened and supplemented by related statutes, regulations and executive orders.
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education or training program receiving federal financial assistance, with a limited number of defined exceptions;
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), which forbids discrimination on the basis of an individual’s disability by all federal agencies and in all federally funded activities;
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits discrimination in federally supported activities on the basis of age.
EIIC is actively engaged in Title VI activities as a recipient of federal assistance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and specifically USCIS.
What Does This Mean?
EIIC will not restrict an individual in any way from the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service or other benefit under any of its programs. Individuals may not be subjected to criteria or methods of administration which cause adverse impact because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program because of race, color or national origin.
EIIC will not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any individual or group for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege guaranteed under law or regulations, or because the individual has filed a complaint or has testified, assisted or participated in any way in an investigation, proceeding or hearing or has opposed any EIIC action or decision.
EIIC will take reasonable measures to provide access to department services to individuals with limited ability to speak, write, or understand English and/or to those with disabilities.
Filing a Complaint
If someone believes they have suffered from discrimination under an EIIC program, they may contact the EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator to seek informal resolution. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the following steps will be followed:
- Within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, complainants may submit a written or verbal complaint to the Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator. Complaints must include the complainant’s name, the nature of the complaint, the dates of the complaint, requested action, and contact information. Complaint forms are available in English and Spanish.
- The Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator will review the complaint and may solicit additional information from the complainant as needed. If additional information is requested and not received, the case may be closed. The case may also be closed if the complainant no longer wishes to pursue their case.
- If the complaint is outside the jurisdiction of EIIC, the complainant will be notified of the name and contact information for the appropriate agency with jurisdiction, if known.
Complaint Processing
If the complaint is filed pertaining to the actions of EIIC employees or with regard to EIIC property, or informal resolution was not possible, it will be promptly and impartially investigated. EIIC’s goal is to address complaints within 60 days of receipt, though the time to carefully investigate complaints may be longer depending on the nature of the complaint and complexity of the issue.
Preliminary Inquiry:
EIIC will conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine the need for further investigation.
- EIIC will notify the complainant in writing that a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the need for further investigation.
- If the preliminary inquiry by EIIC indicates that an investigation is warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing and an interview will be scheduled.
- If the preliminary inquiry indicates an investigation is not warranted, the complainant will be notified in writing of the reasons why and factors considered.
Complaint Investigation:
- Complaints warranting further investigation will be promptly and impartially processed by the EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator. The results of the investigation will be provided to the EIIC Executive Director for review.
- The complainant will be notified in writing of the results of the investigation and what actions will be/have been taken in response and a timeline to request review.
Access to Persons with Limited English Proficiency or Disability
EIIC will take reasonable steps to ensure access to all people, and that accommodation is available to facilitate the participation of those persons with English language proficiency and/or disability. Any person who would like to request assistance should notify reception upon arrival at the office and/or by phone at the main office line and/or contact the EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator at 718-478-5502, extension 203, or by email at complaint@eiic.org.
EIIC provides at no cost appropriate auxiliary aids and services including qualified interpreters to LEP persons, to disabled persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and other individuals as necessary to ensure effective communication or an equal opportunity to participate fully in the decision-making process.
Further, as nearly 50% of all households in Queens and the Bronx are proficient in Spanish, significant resources are directed at ensuring the availability of key materials and services in both English and Spanish including:
- Department main phone line accommodations for Spanish speakers:
- Phone line menu options in Spanish
- Voicemail options in Spanish
- Lists of Required Documents for each Application or Petition
- Access to Spanish speaking legal services counselors
- Access to Spanish speaking social services counselors
- Website in Spanish
- Staff within our Communications Office who respond to Spanish media calls
- Newspaper articles and press releases
We are also able to accommodate the needs of other LEP persons who speak any language through a contract with Telelanguage Services.
Reasonable Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities
NOTICE
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC) is committed to providing individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from EIIC’s programs, activities, and services.
Individuals may request reasonable accommodations from EIIC that they believe will enable them to have such equal opportunity to participate in our programs, activities, and services.
To request reasonable accommodations, contact the EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator at 718-478-5502, extension 203, or by email at complaint@eiic.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
The following FAQ provides information on requesting reasonable accommodations in EIIC’s programs and activities.
1. What is a reasonable accommodation in EIIC’s program?
A reasonable accommodation is a change or modification to afford a qualified individual with a disability full enjoyment of EIIC’s programs or activities, unless modifications of policies, practices, and procedures would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity, or result in undue financial and administrative burdens to EIIC.
2. How do I request a reasonable accommodation?
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator (bilingual) at 718-478-5502, extension 203, or by email at complaint@eiic.org.
3. Does my request for a reasonable accommodation need to be in writing?
No, you do not need to put your request in writing, however, making a written request can be helpful documentation for ensuring that EIIC provides the desired accommodation. In addition, you do not need to use the specific words “reasonable accommodations” when making your request.
4. When should I request a reasonable accommodation?
You may request a reasonable accommodation from EIIC at any time. However, making the request in advance of a meeting, conference call, or visit will help ensure that EIIC is able to fulfill the request for an accommodation.
For certain requests, such as requests for sign language interpretation, EIIC requests at least two week’s advance notice, through a third-party interpretation service, Telelanguage Services.
5. May someone request a reasonable accommodation on my behalf?
Yes, anyone can request a reasonable accommodation on behalf of an individual with a disability who seeks to interact with EIIC staff or participate in its programs or activities.
6. What will EIIC do upon receiving my request for a reasonable accommodation?
EIIC may contact you to obtain more information about your request and to better understand your needs. In addition, EIIC may review your request to determine:
- Whether the requested accommodation will be effective in allowing you to participate in the activity or program in which you are seeking participation;
- Whether the requested accommodation is reasonable, or an equally effective alternative to the requested accommodation is available; and
- Whether providing you with the requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of EIIC program or impose undue financial or administrative burdens on EIIC.
In addition, in some cases, EIIC may consult with you in an interactive process to determine on a case-by-case basis what accommodations can be made.
If EIIC determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, EIIC may deny your request. However, in the unlikely event that this occurs, EIIC will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in EIIC’s program, activity, or service.
7. May EIIC request medical documentation from you after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation?
No, EIIC may not request medical documentation after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation. EIIC’s questions will be limited to understanding the barrier to your ability to participate in the program or activity in which you are interested and the nature of an accommodation that will remove this barrier.
8. May EIIC charge you the cost of providing the reasonable accommodation?
No, you are not responsible for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service EIIC provides to you.
9. What are some examples of reasonable accommodations?
There are many types of reasonable accommodations. Some examples of how EIIC provides reasonable accommodations include:
- Arranging for qualified sign language interpreters
- Providing on-site captioning
- Producing alternate formats of print materials in braille, large print, or in an electronic format
- Providing remote conference captioning services
- Furnishing a temporary ramp to access the dais or other areas with one or more stairs to ensure accessibility for individuals who have physical disabilities and may be using a wheelchair or walker.
For questions, please contact us:
EIIC Nondiscrimination Program Coordinator (bilingual)
Emerald Isle Immigration Center
59-26 Woodside Ave. Floor 2, Woodside, NY 11377
E-mail: complaint@eiic.org
Phone: 718-478-5502 ext. 203
LA POLÍTICA DE NO DISCRIMINACIÓN DE EIIC
Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC por sus siglas en inglés), se compromete a garantizar que ninguna persona sea excluida de la participación, se le nieguen los beneficios o sea objeto de discriminación en cualquier programa, actividad o servicio que brinde. EIIC no tolerará la intimidación, las amenazas, la coacción o la discriminación contra ningún individuo o grupo. Esta política establece un marco para tomar medidas razonables para garantizar el acceso a todos los servicios proporcionados por Emerald Isle Immigration Center y establece procedimientos mediante los cuales EIIC recibirá e investigará las denuncias de discriminación.
El Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 es la ley general de derechos civiles que prohíbe la discriminación por motivos de raza, color u origen nacional en cualquier programa, servicio o actividad que reciba asistencia federal. Específicamente, el Título VI asegura que “ninguna persona en los Estados Unidos, por motivos de raza, color u origen nacional, será excluida de la participación, se le negará el beneficio o será objeto de discriminación en cualquier programa o actividad que esté recibiendo asistencia financiera federal “. Las prohibiciones de no discriminación se han ampliado y complementado con estatutos, reglamentos y órdenes ejecutivas relacionados.
- Título IX de las Enmiendas a la Educación de 1972 (Título IX), prohíbe la discriminación por razón de sexo en cualquier programa de educación o capacitación que reciba asistencia financiera federal, con un número limitado de excepciones definidas;
- Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973 (Sección 504), prohíbe la discriminación en base a la discapacidad de un individuo por todas las agencias federales y en todas las actividades financiadas con fondos federales;
- La Ley de Discriminación por Edad de 1975, según la enmienda, prohíbe la discriminación en actividades apoyadas por el gobierno federal en base a la edad.
EIIC está comprometido activamente en las actividades del Título VI como receptor de asistencia federal del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) y específicamente el USCIS.
¿Qué significa esto?
EIIC no restringirá a ningún individuo de ninguna manera el disfrute de cualquier ventaja o privilegio disfrutado por otros que reciben algún servicio, ayuda financiera u otro beneficio bajo cualquiera de sus programas. Las personas no pueden estar sujetas a criterios o métodos de administración que causen un impacto adverso debido a su raza, color o nacionalidad de origen, o que tengan el efecto de frustrar o perjudicar sustancialmente el logro de los objetivos del programa debido a su raza, color o nacionalidad de origen.
EIIC no tolerará la intimidación, amenazas, coacción o discriminación contra ningún individuo o grupo con el propósito de interferir con cualquier derecho o privilegio garantizado por la ley o los reglamentos, o porque el individuo ha presentado una queja o ha testificado, asistido o participado en cualquier forma en una investigación, procedimiento o audiencia o se ha opuesto a cualquier acción o decisión de EIIC.
EIIC tomará medidas razonables para brindar acceso a los servicios del departamento a personas con capacidad limitada para hablar, escribir o comprender inglés y / o personas con discapacidades.
Presentación de una queja
Si alguien cree que ha sufrido de discriminación bajo algún programa del EIIC, puede comunicarse con el Coordinador del Programa de No Discriminación de EIIC para buscar una resolución informal. Si el asunto no puede resolverse informalmente, se seguirán los siguientes pasos:
- Dentro de los 180 días de la supuesta discriminación, los reclamantes pueden presentar una queja escrita o verbal al Coordinador del Programa de No Discriminación. Las quejas deben incluir el nombre del reclamante, la naturaleza de la queja, las fechas de los hechos, la acción solicitada y la información de contacto. Los formularios de quejas están disponibles en Inglés y Español.
- El Coordinador del Programa de No Discriminación revisará la queja y podrá solicitar información adicional al demandante según sea necesario. Si se solicita información adicional y no se recibe, el caso puede ser cerrado. El caso también puede ser cerrado si el demandante ya no desea continuar su caso.
- Si la queja está fuera de la jurisdicción de EIIC, se notificará al reclamante el nombre y la información de contacto de la agencia apropiada con jurisdicción, si se conoce.
Procesamiento de Quejas
Si la queja está dentro de la jurisdicción de EIIC, o no fue posible una resolución informal, se investigará de manera pronta e imparcial. El objetivo de EIIC es abordar las quejas dentro de los 60 días posteriores a su recepción, aunque el tiempo para investigar las quejas con cuidado puede ser más largo según la naturaleza de la queja y la complejidad del asunto.
Consulta Preliminar:
EIIC llevará a cabo una investigación preliminar para determinar la necesidad de una investigación más profunda.
- EIIC notificará al demandante por escrito que se está realizando una investigación preliminar para determinar la necesidad de una investigación más profunda.
- Si la investigación preliminar por EIIC indica que se justifica una investigación profunda, el reclamante será notificado por escrito y se programará una entrevista.
- Si la investigación preliminar indica que una investigación no está justificada, se notificará por escrito al demandante las razones y los factores considerados.
Investigación de Quejas:
- El Coordinador del Programa de No Discriminación de EIIC procesará pronta e imparcialmente las quejas que justifiquen una investigación más detallada. Los resultados de la investigación serán entregados al Director de la EIIC para su revisión.
- Se notificará por escrito al demandante los resultados de la investigación y las acciones que se tomarán en respuesta y el plazo para solicitar una revisión.
Acceso a personas con dominio limitado del inglés o discapacidad
(*LEP, por sus siglas en inglés/Dominio limitado del inglés)
EIIC tomará las medidas que sean necesarias para garantizar el acceso a todas las personas y que haya ajustes disponibles para facilitar la participación de aquellas personas que no tienen dominio del idioma inglés y / o discapacidad. Cualquiera persona que les gustarían pedir asistencia debe notificar a la recepción a su llegada a la oficina y/o por teléfono en la línea central.
EIIC proporciona sin costo ayudas y servicios adicionales apropiados, incluidos intérpretes calificados para personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP, por sus siglas en inglés), personas discapacitadas que son sordas o con problemas de audición y otras personas según sea necesario para garantizar una comunicación efectiva o una oportunidad equitativa de participar plenamente en el proceso de toma de decisiones.
Además, debido a que aproximadamente el 50% de los hogares en los condados de Queens y el Bronx están formados por residentes quienes hablan español, se han destinado suficientes recursos para garantizar la disponibilidad de materiales y servicios claves tanto en inglés como en español, que incluyen:
- Disponibilidad de la línea telefónica principal del centro para personas de habla hispana:
- Línea telefónica con menú en español.
- Opciones de correo de voz en español
- Listas de requerimientos para cualquiera aplicación o solicitud en español.
- Acceso a consejeros de servicios legales en español
- Acceso a consejeros de servicios sociales en español
- Sitio web en español.
- Anuncios de servicio público de TV y Facebook en vivo.
- Artículos en periódicos, medios escritos y comunicados de prensa.
De igual manera podemos satisfacer las necesidades de los residentes con dominio limitado del inglés a través de un contrato con Telelanguage Services para servicios de traducción.
Para preguntas, por favor comuníquese con:
Coordinador del programa de No Discriminación de EIIC (bilingüe)
Emerald Isle Immigration Center
59-26 Woodside Ave. Piso 2, Woodside NY 11377
Correo electrónico: complaint@eiic.org
Teléfono: 718-478-5502 ext. 203