As published in the Filipino Reporter. Volunteers of the free legal services offered for eligible Pinoy Dreamers.
Venue was at St. Mary’s Church in Jersey City, N.J. on Sept. 22.
JERSEY CITY — The turnout fell short of the expected number as only a handful showed up on Sept. 22 to avail of the free legal services offered for eligible Pinoy Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) directive of President Barack Obama.
The campaign held at St. Mary’s Church on Second Street is part of the PATH for DREAMs initiative of the Filipino-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF), in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General New York and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).
Some applicants from out of state were accompanied by a parent and presented their documents ready for filing.
Others came to just to inquire about the requirements to qualify.
About 15 cheerful people volunteered to assist in the community endeavor from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The beauty of the American social tapestry and all the communities that made up this social weave is their propensity to assist one another in times of need, regardless of ethnicity or social status,” said lawyer Merit Salud, NAFFAA Region 1 chair.
“Fil-Ams made themselves available to serve others, even the non–Fil-Ams.”
During the free assistance program, both FALDEF and NaFFAA also conducted a New Jersey Voter Registration Drive for the Nov. 6 elections, while the Philippine Consulate successfully registered a number of Filipinos in its Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) program.
“The newly registered voters will be able to voice their choice in the future of their land of birth,” according to FALDEF communications director Jen Furer.
“As one of the volunteers uttered, ‘one vote, one voice.’”
The next PATH for DREAMs clinic is scheduled Oct. 13 and 20 in Queens and the Bronx.
For details, please visit the FALDEF website at www.faldef.org.
Related article: GMA News