PATH for DREAMs Event: FREE DACA legal clinic in New York - June 7, 2013

 

 

There are tens and thousands of potential Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) beneficiaries in New York and New Jersey and various community leaders and organizations have no shortage of enthusiasm and dedication when it comes to helping the undocumented youths of the community.

In August 2012, 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 Asian American communities have joined in hosting DACA processing centers that guarantee access to confidential, trustworthy, knowledgeable, reliable and economical resources.

 

However, new data released by USCIS revealed that the number of applicants is decreasing. Due to lack of information, confidence in the process and insufficient funds to seek legal assistance, many potential DACA applicants don't come forward to apply.  Potential DACA applicants are also hesitant to come forward, waiting for the passing of the new immigration reform. PCGNY, NAFFAA, Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro), FALDEF, and South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY) come together to answer questions and help process applications, free of charge.

As immigration reform is being debated in Congress, PCGNY, NAFFAA, UniPro, FALDEF and SABANY recommend that DACA-eligible people to apply, and secure temporary work permit authorization.

 

One of the successful beneficiaries of PATH for Dreams program who wished to remain anonymous, said, "The PATH for DREAMS program helped me in my application process. FALDEF was definitely a great choice in helping me fill out my application forms for DACA. I'm very blessed to have found an organization that not only provides pro bono services to assist me in my situation but also a place where the officers are very understanding, helpful, friendly, and supportive. Thank you for the great services that you consistently and graciously provide for the people in need. I would recommend your services to anyone who needs it."

"Getting my application approved is a great relief, not just for me but for my family. I can now go to school and get a job." said another client who received her work permit. " I hope the politicians pass Amnesty or some comprehensive immigration reform but for now, this is opening new opportunities."

 

According to ImmigrationPolicy.org, out of 1.4 Million DACA eligible immigrants, 8% are Asians and over 100,00 reside in New York and New Jersey.

 

We are asking the community for help in making announcements of this free service.  If you can help spread the word, please contact us at legalaid@faldef.org.

 

Who: PCGNY, NaFFAA, UniPro, FALDEF, and SABANY

 

What:  FREE DACA application legal clinic. Education Workshops.

 

Why: To assist in the processing of the DACA applications and provide the immigrant community guidance on what deferred action is.

 

When: Friday, June 7, 2013 6:00pm - 8:30pm

 

Where: Philippine Center,  Kalayaan Hall 556 5th Ave. New York, NY 10036

 Click HERE to download/print the flyer and HERE to download/print the DACA document checklist.

 

Applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals begin August 15, 2012 and Town Hall Discussion on Aug. 20

(photo credit: uscis.gov)

According to  Homeland Security,  as of January 2011, there is an estimated 11.5 Million “unauthorized immigrant” population residing in the US. The top 10 countries include Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, China, Philippines, India, Korea, Ecuador and Vietnam. The top 10 state of residence are California (2.8M),  Texas (1.7M), Florida, New York, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Arizona and Washington. About 6.7 million are under 34 years of age – most of whom where brought by their parents to the US at a very young age.

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced President Obama’s Executive Order on the Deferred Action for eligible childhood arrivals (also known as DREAMers). If eligible, the person may request deferred action for two years (which is subject to renewal), and would also be eligible for work authorization.

Under this Directive, if you’re an unauthorized immigrant, you may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:

1)      Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

2)      Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

3)      Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

4)      Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

5)      Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;

6)      Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

7)      Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Beginning August 15, 2012, application forms for consideration of deferred action and employment authorization will be available online through the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov.) The total fees will be $465. All requests received before August 15, 2012, will be rejected.

As millions of “childhood arrivals” wait for the applications to be available online, hundreds of organizations and/or individuals may take advantage of their desperation. It is advisable to be aware of the provisions of the directive. There are various non-profit, pro-bono organizations, such as the National Federation of Filipino Associations (NaFFAA) and the Filipino-American Legal Defense & Education Fund (FALDEF), that are willing to help assist in processing the paperwork  (free of charge).  The best way to get information is to contact your respective Consulate.

As President Obama said in his speech on June 15, 2012,

“Now, let’s be clear – this is not amnesty, this is not immunity. This is not a path to citizenship. It’s not a permanent fix. This is a temporary stopgap measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to talented, driven, patriotic young people.”

ANNOUNCEMENT:

On Tuesday, August 21st , the Philippine Consul General of NY, NaFFAA and FALDEF are sponsoring a Town Hall Discussion at the Philippine Center Kalayaan Hall. There will be a panel of lawyers, headed by FALDEF President, J.T. Mallonga. The event is a joint venture by the Philippine Consul General of NY, NaFFAA and FALDEF.

Be Aware. Be Involved.