The American Civic Association

The American Civic Association is a charitable organization that works to provide important legal and social services to immigrants and refugees looking to create new lives in the Greater Binghamton region. The mission of the association is to preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity of these immigrants, and to promote cross-cultural understanding. Their mission statement speaks directly to some of the founding ideals of the United States, that anybody deserves the right to immigrate and create a better life for themselves.

            This organization is currently located on Front Street in downtown Binghamton. They work closely with immigrants, refugees, and their families by providing various types of assistance. Some of these services include citizenship and language classes, legal workshops, employment assistance, and cultural education. Their doors are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Fridays until 2 p.m. In addition to social services, they also host entrepreneurial workshops and events for children.

            The American Civic Association is valuable to this community in particular due to the high percentage of refugees and undocumented immigrants that live here. Originally, it was founded in the late 1930s to assist the large number of Europeans coming to the area to work in factories. There are many issues that immigrants in the United States may encounter, such as language and cultural barriers, difficulty finding work and housing, and enrolling their children in school. The ACA works to help these new Americans better adapt and assimilate to life in the area, while still preserving their cultural institutions and heritage.

            Today, the organization remains largely important. With the actions and attitudes of the current Administration, immigrants are under immense pressure, and many find themselves uncertain and afraid. The services provided by this group may be more necessary now than ever before. Unfortunately, the effects of policies designed to target immigration can be observed—the Association now takes on fewer refugee and immigrant cases, with the last case occurring in September 2018. Their focus is now primarily educating the community about immigration, and fighting disinformation. Services continue to be provided to immigrants living in the area.

This organization and its mission appeal to me for many reasons. It is impossible to ignore some of the struggles that immigrants entering this country face. Many come from extremely poor countries, and migrate to the U.S. only to encounter discrimination and resistance from local residents. These migrants, many of whom travel with their families, are simply trying to secure a better life for themselves, and allow their children to receive an education. I feel that everyone deserves the right to live free from harm, bigotry, and injustice. The services provided by the Association help immigrants secure a life for themselves, and become a valuable part of our society. No person, documented or not, should have to face prejudice and abuse simply for trying to better themselves. 

It would be very beneficial to support this organization. Government funding, in many cases, is not enough to adequately support most immigrants and refugees. After each migrant is placed, the federal government only provides funding for 90 days. After this point, the government advises the Association to cut ties with the person. The financial costs generated by one migrant can be significant, due to the expenditures of housing, food, transportation, and employment assistance. Many immigrants need assistance beyond this, such as classes to improve their English or individualized counseling to improve their interviewing skills. Donating to this organization would allow them to keep providing these basic services to immigrants for longer, as well as provide extra assistance as needed. 

After spending time at the headquarters of the organization, it is clear that the work they do benefits the community and improves the Greater Binghamton Area as a whole. Assisting immigrants, and ensuring that they have access to the benefits that they need, will undoubtedly strengthen the community and local economy. An investment in the American Civic Association is an investment in the future of the region, and will provide these migrants with the same basic rights and amenities that we so often take for granted.

Ezekiel Torres