Tag: Immigration Committee

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the November Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic

AABANY extends a heartfelt thank you to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), and AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service, Issues and Immigration Law Committees, as well as all the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and expertise at the November 19th Pro Bono Clinic held in Manhattan. We were able to make a significant difference in the community by offering essential legal assistance to those in need.

Prior to the Clinic, Vishal Chander (AABANY Board Member and Issues Committee Co-Chair), presented “Immigration Basics for Pro Bono Clinic Lawyers” (Part 1, NTA, Detention & Bond). This valuable training equipped attendees with important practice tips, such as how to assist a pro bono client who receives a Notice to Appear, how to locate a detained individual through immigration enforcement authorities, and how to obtain or request an immigration bond hearing. Vishal’s expertise was further demonstrated as he remained available to help address complex questions related to immigration issues, offering additional support to our community members.

In the training session, Vishal offered an engaging and informative introduction to the complexities of U.S. immigration proceedings, all while reminding us that knowledge can make a powerful difference for vulnerable communities. While he noted that removal defense is not his primary area of practice, his commitment to sharing essential tools spoke to a deeper truth of pro bono work: sometimes, the most meaningful contributions come not from being an expert, but from being willing to show up, learn, and guide others. He emphasized that even being able to recognize a Notice to Appear (NTA) and understanding what it means is often the first step in helping clients regain a sense of control, dignity, and direction in a system that can feel overwhelmingly confusing and intimidating.

His session also brought forward the human side of the law. When he spoke about frantic family members trying to locate loved ones across detention facilities, or clients unknowingly waiving important rights by signing English-only forms under pressure, it became clear that pro bono assistance is not just about legal procedure; it is also about compassion, advocacy, and being present for people at their most vulnerable. Volunteers do not need to solve every legal question to have an impact; even helping a client understand their A-number, guiding them to check the EOIR system, or knowing when to challenge errors in an NTA can prevent irreversible consequences. These small interventions protect not only legal rights, but also hope and humanity.

Vishal reminded us that pro bono work is about restoring access to information, to justice, and to basic fairness. The training reaffirmed that volunteers play a vital role in bridging the gap between complex legal systems and civilians, who are often confused, scared, and navigating language, cultural, and legal barriers all at once. Even a minimal understanding can open the door to critical support, and that is sometimes all it takes to change the course of someone’s life.

After Vishal’s presentation, the regular Pro Bono Clinic took place. At the clinic, our volunteers met with 15 clients and provided guidance on a range of legal issues, including housing questions, fraud concerns, and civil litigation matters. The collective efforts of our volunteers ensured that each client received personalized support and answers to their pressing legal questions.  As one seasoned volunteer shared with AABANY staff, “sometimes it’s not solely about the legal issues, but about being here to listen.”

Here are some of the clients’ comments:

“Very satisfied (with the service), hope to have more of these (events/services) for me! Thanks!”

“Hope to be able to receive help again.”

“Mr. Justin was excellent.”

We are deeply grateful for everyone’s contributions and look forward to continuing this important work together!  

Volunteer attorneys:

Vishal Chander
Gloria D’Souza
Kevin Hsi
Jack (Zixu) Hsia
Justin Lee
Beatrice Leong
Meng (Stella) Li
Arthur Lin
Bich-Nga Nguyen
Jie Shi
Anthony Wong
Carrey Wong
Gary Yeung

Interpreters/shadowers:

Kaleah Haddock
Nandar Win Kerr
Nikita Kohli
Carrie Nie
Shang Zhai
Wendy Zeng

To learn more about AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, visit https://probono.aabany.org/.

Please join us at Part 2 of Immigration Basics for Pro Bono Clinic Lawyers: Navigating Immigration Court & Relief and future Pro Bono Clinics on December 3rd. The training will be from 6-6:30pm, followed by the Pro Bono Clinic. It will take place in Queens, at AAFE One Flushing Community Center. This training will continue the series that will prepare lawyers and law students on the fundamentals of advising Pro Bono Clinic clients who are or have family in removal (deportation) proceedings. Part 2 will focus on 1) What to expect in an immigration proceeding and 2) what kinds of relief are available in immigration court. Note: NY CLE Credit Available. Attorneys seeking CLE credits must attend both sessions to earn 1 CLE credit hour. No partial credit is available.

Upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:

  • December 3rd [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
  • December 17th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
  • January 10th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

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Contribute Your Expertise in a Meaningful Way: Become a NAPABA Co-Chair!

NAPABA committees and networks enable our members to gain access to a robust knowledge-sharing network of seasoned AANHPI professionals. NAPABA’s committees focus on substantive practice specialties or specific service areas, such as civic engagement. NAPABA’s networks encompass individuals with similar experiences, such as solo practice or military service. These peer-led groups serve as a networking community and enable members to learn best practices and stay on top of the latest legal trends.  

NAPABA is seeking committee or network co-chair recommendations from the membership to fill vacancies and we urge you to consider contributing your expertise and experiences in a meaningful way within NAPABA. Serving as a co-chair presents a unique chance to take up a leadership role within NAPABA, connect with AANHPI attorneys in your practice area or who share similar experiences, and enhance your professional profile. Many of our committee and network co-chairs have later served on NAPABA’s Board of Directors. 

Who can become a co-chair?

An appointee must: 

  • Have demonstrated proven leadership skills; 
  • Have demonstrated the highest standards of personal integrity and trust professionally and personally; 
  • Have personal and professional experience relevant to the goals/objectives of the Committee; 
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to the furtherance of the Committee’s goals, including leadership and pipeline development; 
  • Be a member in good standing of NAPABA or a NAPABA affiliate; and 
  • Be willing to serve for a six-year term.

What information do I need to provide?

We request applicants submit the following materials in a SINGLE PDF:

  • A Resume or similar material that demonstrates personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network.
  • A Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:  
  • Proven leadership skills in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or other professional activities
  • The highest standards of personal integrity and trust in all professional and personal activities
  • Additional details outlining your personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network not outlined in your resume.
  • Biography

Where do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click on the button below to start your application! The deadline to apply is Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm ET.

Committees and networks with co-chair vacancies:

Committees

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee 
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee 
  • Civil Rights Committee 
  • Corporate Transactions Committee 
  • Data Privacy & Security Committee 
  • Dispute Resolution Committee 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee 
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee 
  • Entertainment Law Committee 
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee 
  • Immigration Committee 
  • Insurance Law Committee 
  • Litigation Committee 
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee 
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee 
  • Real Estate Committee 
  • Tax Committee 
  • Trusts & Estates Committee 
  • Wellness Committee 

Networks

  • In-House Counsel Network
  • Law School Professors & Administrators Network 
  • LGBTQ Network 
  • Partners Network
  • Public Sector Network 
  • Solo & Small Firm Network

If you have any questions about our committees or networks or the application process, please contact membership@napaba.org.

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Congratulations to Poonam Gupta on Being Selected to Receive The Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Publico Award

Please join us in congratulating Poonam Gupta, AABANY Immigration Committee Co-Chair and Counsel and Director of Immigration Services at White & Case LLP, on being selected to receive The Legal Aid Society Pro Bono Publico Award.

Every year, The Legal Aid Society recognizes the outstanding work of volunteer lawyers, law firms, corporations, and other professionals who have volunteered their time and talent to provide exceptional legal services to low-income New Yorkers.

Poonam will be presented the award on Monday, October 28, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Prince George Ballroom, 15 East 27th Street, New York, NY.

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Preventing Immigration Fraud in the Filipino Community

Older Filipino Americans are particularly vulnerable as targets of certain fraud. According to AARP’s “Facing Fraud or Saving Face? A Survey of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 50 Years and Older on Fraud and Scams” (www.aarp.org/AAPIfraudsurvey), many con artists use immigration scams to falsely promise cheap, quick, or easy paths to work permits and green cards.

Scammers pretend to provide quality legal advice, help with paperwork, or other tasks involved in the immigration process. The scammer usually asks for an upfront fee, takes the money, and disappears immediately. Or worse, they provide ineffective or even harmful representation by filing the wrong paperwork, using fraudulent measures, or misrepresenting facts. The American Bar Association believes immigration fraud is underreported because many victims are often ashamed to report it to authorities or are afraid it will affect their immigration status.

Amanda Bernardo, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Immigration Committee, provides tips and advice on how to avoid being a victim of immigration fraud. She is working with AARP to help the Filipino community and notes “The immigration process can be confusing and intimidating, especially for Filipinos and Asian immigrants who face language barriers.”

Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy says “Con artists often target immigrant communities because they are particularly vulnerable, but knowing how they work can help you spot and avoid scams.”

To learn more about Amanda Bernardo and to watch her video, click here.

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Preventing Immigration Fraud in the Chinese Community

AABANY has partnered with AARP to prevent immigration fraud in the Chinese community.

Older Asian American and Pacific Islanders are particularly vulnerable as targets of certain fraud. According to AARP’s “Facing Fraud or Saving Face? A Survey of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 50 Years and Older on Fraud and Scams” (aarp.org/AAPIfraudsurvey), many con artists use immigration scams to falsely promise cheap, quick, or easy paths to work permits and green cards.

Susan Akina, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Immigration Committee, provides tips and advice on how to avoid being a victim of immigration fraud. She is working with AARP to help the Chinese community and says “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and if you ever feel uncomfortable, you don’t have to proceed with the attorney or the case. Sometimes the wrong type of help can be more problematic in the long run.”

Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy says “Con artists often target immigrant communities because they are particularly vulnerable, but knowing how they work can help you spot and avoid scams.”

To learn more about Susan Akina and to watch her video, click here.

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