Some of the first Cape Verdean immigrants in Massachusetts settled in New Bedford, largely driven by the whaling industry. Over the course of the twentieth century, a small migrant community developed in Boston, but most of the city’s Cape Verdean population has arrived since 1975. Cape Verdeans are the city’s largest African group and the sixth-largest foreign-born group overall. The city of Brockton has been another key settlement area, with Cape Verdeans making up roughly a third of the city’s foreign-born population in 2014.
If you need help immigrating to MA from Cape Verde, 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 or read on to find out more about protecting your immigration status in the United States.
Employment
Many Cape Verde immigrants have become business owners in Massachusetts. Common types of businesses includes grocery stores, restaurants, and real estate agencies, but Cape Verdean-owned businesses come in all shapes and sizes . There has also been a trend of many Cape Verde immigrants moving into public service and management positions.
Community Resources for Cape Verdean Immigrants
The Cape Verdean Association of Boston was formed with the mission to develop and promote the Cape Verdean community in Massachusetts. It was founded in 2000, with a mission to support fellow Cape Verdeans and assist them in building a life in the US. It provides support for those who run into challenges when migrating to the US. Programs such as Family and Youth Stabilization, Cape Verdean Parents United, and the Immigrant Resource Center are accessible. They make a difference in the Cape Verdean community by offering support to families, taking a role in violence prevention, and actively empowering the youth in politics and the election process.
The Immigrant Association of Greater Brockton is a non-profit organization that, similar to the latter, offers Cape Verdeans an array of support and a sense of community and culture. Services and networking opportunities can be found here.
Processing Times in Boston
Depending on the type of visa or application, the processing times may differ. For those immigrating through family sponsorship, we can assist with F2A and F2B visas to ensure it is all processed in-time. The processing time for visas ranges from 7 to 24 months, but that is only an estimate. Regardless of processing time, we want to see you succeed. To figure out a visa or status plan, contact my office.
Past and Current Clients from Cape Verde
Our firm successfully handled an N-400 naturalization case for a client with a prior criminal record. Adding sufficient evidence to the application was necessary for our success. Despite the client’s concerns, the process proceeded smoothly, and we navigated the necessary legal steps to ensure a favorable outcome. As a result, the client is now a proud U.S. citizen.