There is a large and growing Salvadoran population here in Boston, particularly in East Boston (where Maverick Square has earned the title of Little Salvador). Massachusetts ranks 8th in the number of Salvadorans here, and the community is prospering.
If you choose to settle in Boston or anywhere else in Massachusetts, you’ll be surrounded by comforting and familiar sights and smells. You’ll find a bustling community of Salvadorans and Dominicans who launch many heritage celebrations, such as Central American Independence Day and Salvadoran-American Day. The Salvadoran community extends to many communities in the area, like Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Medford.
If you need help immigrating to MA from El Salvador, contact Boston immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez. Giselle helps clients with the full range of immigration challenges, from visas to citizenship. She is bilingual (English & Spanish), and works with clients throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. Contact Giselle today to discuss your case, read this case result of one of my Salvadoran clients, or read on to find out more about protecting your immigration status in the United States.
Pursuing an Education
If you want to take advantage of Boston’s 30+ major colleges and universities – or if that is why you came here in the first place – I can help. It is getting easier than ever to pursue higher education here in Boston. In particular, Boston University has a program that can be very helpful to Salvadorans immigrants who face a language barrier: The Center for English Language & Orientation Programs (CELOP) will help you improve your English as you seek to pursue a degree.
I’ll help you get a student visa, and help you understand how you can translate that into US-based employment opportunities later.
Finding Employment
Roughly 92% of the Salvadoran-born residents here in Boston work for private, for-profit companies, 2% work for nonprofits, and 4% are working in the public sector. All of this adds up to dozens of opportunities to make a living.
My office helps Salvadorans secure visas for both temporary and permanent workers, and gives you options to pursue your economic dreams here in the United States.
Starting a Business
Opening a small business has been a path to success for many Salvadoran immigrants. Salvadorans run a wide variety of companies, from grocery stores, to restaurants, to real estate offices.
The O-1 entrepreneur visa will allow you to remain in the United States as long as you continue to operate the business. If you can exhibit extraordinary ability in business the EB-1 visa may offer a path to a green card and eventual citizenship. For wealthier Salvadorans, an “entrepreneur’s visa” may be an option.
The Salvadoran Consulate (East Boston)
The Consulate General of El Salvador is located at 46 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128. Its phone number is (617) 567-8484. The Consulate can help you replace a lost passport or apply for emergency travel documents. It is conveniently located near Maverick Square, right off of the Blue Line.
Processing Times at the Salvadoran Consulate in Boston
You need to start early if you want to immigrate to Boston, because the local office can take 7 to 21 months to process any visa at all.
I can help you shorten that time by ensuring that your visa application is filled out properly the first time, that we’ve adequately addressed all potential problems, and that you send your application with sufficient and appropriate evidence for the type of visa you are applying for. Contact my office to get help on your application today
Additional Resources for Salvadoran Immigrants in Boston / MA
The East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (EBECC) serves the entire Latino population in Boston through educational, legal services, advocacy, leadership development, and community organizing. It’s a great place to go if you need help learning English.
Centro Presente is an organization that fights for immigrant rights and social justice. It also offers ESL classes.
La Alianza Hispana provides health and educational programs to the Latino community, including support for mothers and seniors.