With the growing Ecuadorian population in the United States overall, Massachusetts has become a key state for Ecuadorian Americans. With the 5th-largest Ecuadorian population in the US, Massachusetts has a relatively high number of Ecuadorian immigrants, many of whom reside in Boston, Milford, Barnstable Town, and Great Barrington, to name a few communities. Massachusetts is a desirable destination for Ecuadorian migrants looking for a brighter future because of its immigrant-friendly laws, educational opportunities, and organizations that offer social and legal support.
If you need help immigrating to MA from Ecuador, 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.
A Quick History of Ecuador-US Immigration
Ecuadorian immigration to the US has occurred in multiple waves, each driven by diverse socio-economic and political circumstances. Tens of thousands of immigrants from southern Ecuador migrated to the United States during the first wave, which started in the early 1980s, and many Ecuadorian families have since put down roots in the US. More than 500,000 Ecuadorians left the country for Spain, the US, and Italy during the second wave, sparked by a banking and political crisis in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Rising levels of violence, domestic instability, and the COVID pandemic’s aftereffects on the economy have all contributed to the most recent wave, which started in 2019.
Community Resources for Ecuadorian Immigrants in Massachusetts
MIRA, or the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, offers support and help to recent migrants. They offer an array of support–from finding a place to live, to legal services. It offers valuable information about their rights, while connecting them with other forms of support.
Unienvios is an Ecuadorian marketplace in Milford, MA. It offers a great variety of goods that can help Ecuadorians coming to the US stay connected to their culture through native food products. They also offer services such as money transfers, mailing packages, and booking travel. In Milford, many Ecuadorians find jobs in the roofing business, and Unienvios offers them the opportunity to buy the necessary tools they need for the job. Milford is also a healthcare hotspot in Massachusetts, where hospitals and doctors’ offices are even more accessible than they are in most other communities.
Processing Time at the Ecuadorian Consulate in Boston
Application processing times in Boston range dramatically based on application-type and volume of cases. Visa applications can take anywhere from seven to twenty-four months to process, so be sure to plan accordingly. Green card application processing times are around 14-15 in Boston, and applications for naturalization are averaging 8-9 to be fully processed. It is crucial to coordinate with my office ahead of time if you need your visa to be processed within a certain time frame.
Not sure what kind of status or visa to apply for? Get in touch and I’ll help you choose the immigration pathway that is best for you.
Clients from Ecuador
Our firm helps Ecuadorian clients with various immigration challenges. We have successfully assisted several Ecuadorian nationals with their N-400 applications for U.S. citizenship, helping them navigate the naturalization process.
We are currently handling a waiver of inadmissibility (I-601A) case for a client from Ecuador whose I-130 petition has already been approved. The next step involves submitting the waiver and awaiting approval before they can attend their consular interview in Ecuador and, hopefully, receive their immigrant visa and green card. We are also managing a marriage-based adjustment of status (AOS) case for an Ecuadorian applicant and her U.S.-citizen husband as they work toward building their life together in the United States.