Various Filipino American Communities hosted PATH for DREAMs events

PATH for DREAMs (Providing Access to Hope) was implemented by National Federation for Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), Filipino American Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc. (FALDEF) and the Philippine Consulate General of New York (PCGNY) on August 2012. Since it’s launching, various Filipino-American communities have joined in hosting DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) processing centers that guarantee access to confidential, trustworthy, knowledgeable, reliable and economical resources.

There was no shortage of enthusiasm and dedication when it came to reaching out to various organizations to help the undocumented youths of the community. In the month of October, three DACA events were hosted in Queens, Bronx and Temple University in Philadelphia. In every event, NaFFAA, FALDEF and PCGNY coordinated the documentation, training, and personnel which included lawyers and volunteers. 

(Volunteers from PAGASA Social Foundation, NAFFAA Region 1 and FALDEF headed by Steve Raga, Executive Director of NaFFAA Region 1, Hector Logrono of PAGASA SF, Atty. Merit Salud, NaFFAA Region 1 Chairman, and FALDEF’s VP for External Affairs)

“Slowly but surely, the Fil-Ams are breaking their shell of isolation, reaching out to other ethnic groups”, said Atty. Merid Salud, chairman of NaFFAA Region 1.

The events in Queens and Bronx, New York were organized by PAGASA SF (Philippine American Group of Aging Seniors in America), Better Lifestyles Home Living Realty, and Mr. Romeo Reyes who took care of the venue, advertising and reaching out to various local community organizations. 

( Volunteers and parishioners of Our Lady of Parish joined FALDEF VP for Internal Affairs, Atty. Leandro Lachica and Hector Logrono of PAGASA SF)

In both events, volunteers outnumbered the DACA candidates. The turn out was not as expected. However, local communities were interested in learning more about the PATh for DREAMs program and wanted to participate after the election.

“The turnout is understandably low since this is just in its infancy - and since this is a presidential decree and not a law, people are wary and may want to wait it out after the elections.” said a PAGASA volunteer.

The event held on October 20 was hosted by Our Lady of Angels Parish in the Bronx, which was held in the school gymnasium. Led by FALDEF VP for Internal Affairs, Atty. Leandro Lachica, many volunteers from the parish church and school assisted in the training and processing of clients. Father Thomas Lynch, pastor for Our Lady of Parish, expressed sincere gratitude for bringing the event to his parishioners.

The members of Temple University Asian Student Association also held a PATH for DREAMs event at Temple University in Philadelphia.

(Members of Temple University Asian Student Association with Consul General Mario de Leon, Jr and FALDEF Pres. Atty. J.T. Mallonga)

Although there weren’t any applicants at Temple University, the event created a new network dedicated to reach out to other communities. The DACA event was held at Temple University’s Mitten Hall. There were a gathering of leaders within the Asian community. The event was hosted by student leaders from the East Coast Asian American Student Union (ECAASU). It was led by the highly organized and efficient Dr. Aida Rivera. The Philippine Consulate of New York was also present and led by no other than the Consul General himself, Mario De Leon. Members of the Asian Pacific Labor Alliance (APALA) were also in attendance. While the volunteers gathered and waited for applicants, the attendees took the time to voice their opinions about what is needed within the Filipino communities and how every one can help one another. 

Attorney J.T. Mallonga, President of FALDEF, did a presentation on DACA that had the crowd of people very interested in what FALDEF does. So much so that ECCASU invited FALDEF to attend and present at their Campus Tour for Asian Student Organizations on November 4, 2012.

“We were not discouraged by the lack of applicants, instead, we were motivated to provide them with the knowledge and to ensure that they know that they have a safe haven in us.” said Cecilia R Mejia, MPA, FALDEF’s Director of Funding.

Despite the hardships and damages experienced by FALDEF members during Hurricane Sandy, Atty. Leandro Lachica did a presentation on the purposes of the DACA training at the November 4, 2012 workshop at Temple University in Philadelphia, which was sponsored by the Asian American student association. The workshop was attended by about 20-25 student participants from three colleges of the university, where they brainstormed on possible joint undertakings not only for legal but also educational projects. Drs. Aida and Rommel Rivera of NaFFAA were also present.

“Generally, it was a fruitful event and the students were enthusiastic to hold DACA assistance and other events with FALDEF to serve the Asian American community in PA area.” said Atty. Leandro Lachica.

Free DACA clinics are being sponsored every month. The New York Immigration Coalition in collaboration with FALDEF is holding a FREE DACA Clinic on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Is the passage of the Dream Act still necessary in light of DACA? The answer is YES, because only Congress can confer permanent legal status.

The November 2012 election proved that the country is hungry for a comprehensive immigration reform, and various organizations are dedicated in helping the millions of undocumented immigrants – providing access to hope.