East Boston is home to a thriving Guatemalan community. Guatemalans are the third-largest immigrant group in the city. Many live and work in East Boston, which is home to a thriving Latino community.
You’ll find plenty of support throughout Boston, as well as plenty of opportunities in a wide variety of arenas.
I can help. You can contact my office today, read this success story of one of my Guatamalan clients, or read on to find out more.
Pursuing an Education
There are nearly 100 colleges, universities, and trade schools here in the Boston area, from community colleges to Ivy League colleges. If you are accepted to one of them then you may be able to come to the United States on a student visa.
Many workers convert those visas to employment visas after finding employment at one of Boston’s many local companies.
Finding Employment
Did you know that Guatemalans have a higher rate of workforce participation in Boston than immigrants from nearly other nation? 70% of Guatemalans ages 16 and older are participating in our labor force.
You can succeed here with ease. Our employment rate is higher than the national average and we have a variety of industries to choose from.
Starting a Business
There are a great many Guatemalan-owned businesses here in the Boston Metro Area. Guatemalan restaurants and groceries see plenty of enthusiastic customers, but there are many other examples as well. For example, Guatemalan Silvia Via is founder and CEO of VIASWORLD, a high-end fashion, art, and design company, as well as Via Guatemala Coffee, a high-end coffee brand.
Want to start a business here in Boston? There are visas that can help you do just that! Reach out to find out if one of those programs is right for you.
The Consulate
The Guatemala Consulate in Boston is currently closed. However you can still contact the embassy in Washington DC by calling (202) 745-4953 or emailing them at infoembaguateeuu@minex.gt.
Additional Resources
There are dozens of community organizations dedicated to helping Guatemalans succeed and thrive here in Boston.
Founded by first-generation immigrants, Casa Guatemala exists to preserve the beauty of Guatemalan culture right here in Boston.
Centro Presente offers advocacy and education programs to help improve conditions for Guatemalans and their families.
La Alianza Hispana provides educational, health, and workforce training services.
The Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) exists to empower Latino professionals to serve as leaders in their community.
Processing Times in Boston
You can expect to wait 7 to 24 months for your visa application to be processed. That’s one reason why it’s so important to work with a local immigration lawyer.
I can help remove delays and solve problems that might slow down your immigration application or stop it in its tracks. I can help you choose the visa program that’s appropriate for your situation so that you can start your new life in Boston content in the knowledge that you’ve met your legal obligations. If your situation changes I can help you apply for the adjustment of status that can help you stay.
Contact my office here in Jamaica Plain to get help today.