Resources:
Here are some local non profit organizations providing free legal help in preparing for immigration court hearings and filings:
Know Your Rights: For more information on your rights as an immigrant or refugee in the USA, see:
https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/
https://nipnlg.org/work/resources?audience=All&resource_type=28&terms=Plan&value=
For more information on preparing your case, getting a work permit, finding a low cost attorney, ICE detentions, etc, see:
https://www.rifnyc.org/
Asylum Free Legal Clinic: https://www.asylumsupportclinic.org/our-friends
ASAP believes that asylum seekers can make great change by standing together. We provide our members with legal information and support. Their website has lots of information for asylum seekers and immigrants.
The Ark also has a pro se clinic and lots of info on their website: https://cbst.org/ark-services/
PRO SE LEGAL CLINIC: The pro se legal clinic will continue at Plymouth Church, 75 Hicks Street, Brooklyn through March. The schedule can be found on the Sign-Up Genius. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/PROSECLINICS
ZOOM TRAININGS: Our amazing volunteer trainers, Anjelica Manitkas and Lisa Rode, will be offering a series of zoom trainings. We are incredibly thankful for their willingness to share their time and talents. The trainings will be recorded. A zoom link will be sent the day before the training to everyone who is registered.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0949AAA82BA4FF2-47276770-training
Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm. The new EAD and Social Security Numbers. USCIS has once again changed the work authorization application. In addition, people now need to separately apply for social security cards. This training will walk through both applications.
Tuesday, Mar 3 - 11:30 am Mentor Info Session via Zoom
Tuesday, March 10 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Declarations in Support of Asylum Applications. We expect that the bulk of our work going forward will be helping people prepare for their individual merits’ hearings.
Tuesday, March 24 - 7:30 - 9:00 pm. Updates on Asylum - Pretermission, Habeas, Fees & More. The immigration landscape is changing and this training will provide an update on current trends. Spoiler Alert – nothing is getting easier for more fair for those seeking asylum.
Here's a link to some slide decks from past trainings:
Work Authorization: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/16NX1-q2-CAzY0LoAHWQtMEgbn0NecPc5/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111718524966147310876&rtpof=true&sd=true
MENTORS: Our friends at ROCC continue to pair young asylum seekers with mentors. The next informational session will be on Zoom on March 3 at 11:30 am. To RSVP for the Zoom, please email NYCmentorshipinfo@gmail.com.
If you know a kid needing legal help, either contact us directly, or go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeI5oBD-ZHgN8ZgUCEcNfhp9EhZMKCt-v9mX-A7OEDhfP73YA/viewform
If you see ICE, report it here: https://www.ccijustice.org/rapid-response
Melt ICE: Detention & Resistance under Trump https://detentionwatchnetwork.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/detentionwatchnetwork/event.jsp?event=525&
Hands Off NYC: https://www.handsoffnyc.com/get-involved
Below are forms used to apply for various immigration benefits
I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and Instructions
Purpose: To allow asylees/refugees and those with pending asylum or TPS to work legally in the USA.
I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal and Instructions.
Purpose: To seek asylum for individuals physically present in the U.S. who fear persecution in their home country.
Filing Location:
Affirmative Asylum (No court case):
Filed with
Defensive Asylum (In removal proceedings): Filed with the Immigration Court (EOIR)
Motion to Change Venue: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sf8dSFxwxZkMpvTqHSYamvERaBNa_EszLwwoSEKOdA0/edit?usp=sharing
Change of Address: https://respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms/eoir33ic/
Filing a Pro Se Habeas petition/ release from custody: https://www.nysd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ProSe/Pro%20se%20filing%20guide-Immigration%20detention-final.pdf