A "Full-Court Press" on TPS | FALDEF, NAFFAA & USPGG Leaders meet with Homeland Security Officials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 21, 2014

Contact:      Bing Cardenas Branigin

                         bing.branigin@naffaa-national.org

                        Tel. 202-361-1024

Jon Melegrito

jon.melegrito@naffaa-national.org

Tel. 202-361-0296

A ‘Full-Court Press’ on TPS

FALDEF, NAFFAA & USPGG Leaders meet with

Homeland Security officials

Washington, D.C – Mounting a ‘full court press’ for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Filipino nationals,  leaders of the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF), NAFFAA and US Pinoys for Good Governance (USPGG) recently met with Rob Silver, Legal Counsel for Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mayorkas was formerly Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

DHS Legal Counsel Rob Silver (left) responds to Loida Lewis and JT Mallonga who urged DHS to grant TPS to Filipino nationals.

            The meeting, which took place at the DHS main headquarters in Washington, D.C., followed an earlier meeting with Department of State officials responsible for presenting arguments for TPS to Secretary John Kerry.  Filipino American leaders engaged top level staff representing the Office of International Migration, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, which play a key role in the approval of TPS.

            “It’s been three months since Typhoon Haiyan and we’re still waiting for the U.S. government to act on what is clearly a humanitarian crisis,” says FALDEF President JT Mallonga, who led the delegation to DHS. “That’s why we’re mounting a full-court press because time is of the essence.” Joining Mallonga at the meeting were Loida Nicolas Lewis and Angie Cruz of USPGG, and Jon Melegrito of NaFFAA.

FALDEF President JT Mallonga presents a copy of “Memorandum of Law” regarding TPS to

DHS Legal Counsel Rob Silver (left) while Loida Lewis looks on.

Although the Federal government shut down because of a snowstorm, the meeting at DHS went through. “We are eager to listen to what you have to say,” said Silver, who commended Cruz, Lewis and Mallonga for traveling all the way from New York during stormy weather. “We at DHS are completely aware of the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda and its impact on Filipinos here in U.S. That’s why we immediately issued immigration relief measures to ease their plight.” On November 15, a week after Typhoon Haiyan hit Central Philippines, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued reminders to Filipino nationals that they may be eligible to benefit from such measures as change or extension of nonimmigrant status.

“We appreciate these relief measures,” Lewis told Silver. “But TPS is urgently needed now and I hope you will convey this to Secretary Johnson.” Lewis also underscored the importance of the issue to US-Philippine relations. “I am sure President Obama would like to see this matter resolved when he visits the Philippines in April. A denial of TPS would have serious repercussions.” 

Mallonga, who prepared an 8-page “Memorandum of Law,” presented a copy to Silver at the meeting. “TPS is mainly a humanitarian relief,” Mallonga argued. “In the case of the Philippines, Haiyan poses a threat or danger to many Filipinos’ lives. Factors such as displacement, deprivation, extreme poverty and violence brought on by Typhoon Haiyan warrant a humanitarian response from the United States.”

            FALDEF, NAFFAA and USPGG are part of a nationwide campaign, led by Relief 2 Recovery, a coalition of more than 100 civic and faith-based organizations and labor unions.   In the last three weeks, leaders and activists have barraged the White House, DHS, DOS and congressional offices with letters, e-mails, phone calls, faxes and personal visits. They have also resorted to social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to mobilize mass action across the country.  It’s organizing efforts have successfully enlisted the support of nearly 100 US Senators and Representatives from both parties. The Philippine Government has also weighed in, officially requesting DHS to grant TPS.

DHS Legal Counsel Rob Silver (center) met with Fil-Am leaders (from left) Angie Cruz, Jon Melegrito, Loida Lewis and JT Mallonga at the DHS headquarters in Washington DC on Feb. 13.  

            In the meantime, DHS has has announced that the week of Feb 24-28 will be a period of public engagement around TPS for the Philippines. Through a tele-conference, DHS officials will provide background information, field questions and gather feedback. 

            “As a community, we can not let up on our efforts now,” says Lewis. “We have to keep calling DHS and urge them to act expeditiously and favorably on this urgent matter.” 

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The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a non-profit, non-partisan tax-exempt organization established in 1997 to promote the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic and national affairs.  NaFFAA is the largest national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, organizations and individuals. Its thirteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, the Marianas Islands, and American Samoa.   NaFFAA partners with local affiliate organizations and national coalitions in monitoring legislation and public policy issues affecting Filipino Americans and advocating for issues of common concern.

NaFFAA National Office
1322 18th St NW, Washington DC 20036-1803
Phone: 202.361.0296
Website: http://NaFFAA-National.org
Facebook: http://facebook.com/NaFFAA.National
Inquiries: inquiries@naffaa-national.org

11th National Empowerment Conference

San Diego, Calif.

August 7-9, 2014

FALDEF is Now Accepting Nominations for the 1st DSE Trailblazer Awards

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

 

Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. (FALDEF) announces its search for the first Defend Serve and Educate ("DSE") awardees which will be featured on FALDEF's First Annual DSE Gala Night on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Sheraton) in Newark Airport.

The DSE Gala is an opportunity to encourage our members and community to live out FALDEF’s mission to defend, serve and educate for the greater good.  It is also an opportunity to recognize individuals who have shown a deep commitment to these values in the spirit of public service. 

 

The DSE awards will honor trailblazers in the legal profession, the arts, the business world and the civil rights community whose extraordinary work and achievements have contributed to advancing FALDEF's mission to defend, serve and educate members of the community.

 

Anyone can nominate a DSE Trailblazer. There is no limit to the number of nominations an individual can make.

 

To nominate a DSE Trailblazer, please follow the steps:

• Nominations for the 2013 DSE Trailblazer Awards should be submitted to DSEawards@faldef.org Include a brief description of the individual's accomplishments (300 words max)
• Include a testimonial on how the individual's contributions to the community reflects FALDEF's mission to Defend, Serve and Educate (300 words max)
• Submit a photograph (jpeg format) of the nominee.

 

Awardees will be selected by FALDEF's DSE Committee based on a careful review of the submissions.

 

 

 

Here are the criteria:

Defend - The Defense Award is designated for an attorney whose work on behalf of the Filipino/minority immigrant community has had national and/or international impact. The recipient must demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting justice and social change both in and out of the courtroom.

 

Serve - The Service Award is designated for an individual from any sector whose dedication to public service has had a significant impact on the community, national, or international level. The individual's overall accomplishments must reflect the high tradition of selfless public service that is at the core of FALDEF's mission.

 

Educate - The Education Award is designated for an individual from any sector whose work has contributed significantly to the education of the public on social and/or political issues that are highly relevant to minority immigrant communities. The individual's work must reflect FALDEF's mission to empower the community through education.

 

Important Deadlines:

September 15. Last day to submit nominations.

October 15. DSE Selection Committee Final voting tallies.

 

For more information about FALDEF's 1st DSE Trailblazer Awards, please contact Patricia Astorga at DSEawards@faldef.org .

 

 

Click HERE to download the DSE Trailblazer Award Nomination Entry Form

FALDEF offers FREE Legal Clinic

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) held an event at the Philippine Consulate in New York on Friday June 7^th, 2013. It was a free legal clinic that had a plethora of lawyers with a wide variety of different specializations. The lawyers for the event ranged from various fields including immigration, prosecution, and criminal and even included a judge. The team that was involved in this event was highly prepared to tackle any case presented to them. There were a sense of diversity and well-rounded professionalism in the room.

Not even the heavy summer rain could stop the volunteers from FALDEF, National Federation of Filipino American Associations Region 1 (NaFFAA R1), Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) , Filipino American Lawyers of NY (FALANY), South Asian Bar Association of NY (SABANY) and the Philippine Consulate General of NY (PCGNY). The men and women, from different stations, became one in hope and aspiration for others.

 As a welcoming to the lawyers and the volunteers, FALDEF President, Attorney JTS Mallonga, gave a few words of appreciation and expectations to get the event started. The way it was organized began at two tables of 3 volunteers each with a general intake form as a preliminary step. After going through the general details of the client’s case, the volunteer would assign a specific lawyer indicated to handle it best. In order to provide the highest quality legal assistance possible, more than one lawyer would provide advice and feedback per case.

"This set-up was especially helpful because it made the client’s profile stronger. Most of the client’s at this free legal assistance clinic come for purposes of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), even though it is open to all kinds of legal cases.  Ultimately if we help at least one client, our efforts were put to great use. We will continue helping the Filipino- American community, but we welcome all people in need of legal assistance!" one of the FALDEF legal assistants said.

"FALDEF has given me a chance to fulfill my dreams and goals that I would have otherwise missed. I know that they have given it their all on helping me win my case and without them I wouldn't be here today. They have brought the "New York" way to Texas and helped me stay with my family and friends. They have given me the opportunity to care for my younger brother and be a father figure for him, see him grow, and help my family." said John Quidilla, a client of FALDEF who received his DACA work permit on May 2013.

FALDEF offers FREE Legal Clinic every week. To make an appointment please call (212) 221-1888 or email us at legalaid@faldef.org

This article is a collaboration of FALDEF's legal assistants and interns.


        

Asian Americans, legislators call for immigration policy reform

Immigrants share stories of being undocumented, separation, detention and abuse

 

 

 

by the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans

 

WASHINGTON—Hours before the “Citizenship for 11 Million” rally on April 10th, Asian Americans gathered together to call for changes to our country’s broken immigration system. Asian American immigrants shared stories and experiences and urged lawmakers to put forth policy solutions that will improve the lives of all Americans.

 

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), a  coalition  of  30  national  Asian Pacific American organizations, organized the media briefing, which also featured members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, including Reps. Judy Chu, Mike Honda and Sen. Mazie K. Hirono.

 

“I am one of the over 1 million Asian Americans who is undocumented in this country,” said Kevin HyunKyu Lee, a 22-year-old undocumented immigrant (DREAMer) and immigrant rights organizer at the Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles. “I want legislators to know that DREAMERs like me want a chance to go to school, work, and give back to America, which is the only home we know.”

 

Filipino American Ian Cainglet, a teacher who came here under the H-1B visa program, detailed abuse he endured as a temporary worker. He and 350 other Filipino teachers had to pay more than $5 million to a fraudulent recruiter, who threatened to send them home. Last month, a federal judge gave Cainglet and other teachers a $4.5 million judgment in a class-action lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Teachers and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

 

Cainglet, who now lives in New Mexico, called for improved worker protections for all workers. “I wish for every worker in this country that same basic path to dignity and self respect,” he said.

 

The briefing also highlighted stories of family separation and detention.

 

Bithi Roy,  a US citizen living in New York City,  said she had waiting  several years  for  her siblings in Bangladesh to join her in the U.S. In fact, 4.3 million people are  stuck  in  the worldwide family backlog as of November 2012, and nearly half are relatives of Asian Americans.

 

“There are so many families who are experiencing extraordinarily long waiting times to bring

their families into this country,” she said. “Immigrants like myself have a  better  chance  of success and giving back to the economy by developing their careers if they have family support networks in this country.”

 

Lundy Khoy, 32, a legal resident making her home in Washington, D.C., shared her concern about the possibility of being deported to Cambodia because of a drug possession conviction from her time in college. “America is my home and my country,” Khoy said. “We need immigration policies that put an end to such arbitrary detention and deportation measures. We all deserve to not live in fear.”

 

NCAPA has set forth a set of principles to guide immigration policy reform on issues ranging from enforcement to family reunification to worker rights to legalization.

 

“As these stories illustrate, Asian  Americans  are  looking  forward  to  inclusive  and  fair immigration policies that will address many of the challenges that immigrants currently face. On this historic occasion, we stand together to raise our voices in support of immigration policy reform,” said Deepa Iyer,  chair of  NCAPA and executive director  of  South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

 

The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), founded in 1996, is a coalition of thirty national Asian Pacific American organizations. Based in Washington D.C, NCAPA serves to represent the interests of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA & NHPI) community and to provide a national voice on policy issues and priorities.

 

 

 

Contact: Rachanee Srisavasdi,

(949) 892-0305;

rsrisavasdi@veng-group.com


Click HERE to watch the CSPAN coverage of the "National Rally for Citizenship" on the West Lawn of the Capitol. Various community leaders lobbied members of Congress for Immigration Reform.