Tag: immigration law committee

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Immigration Law Committee Co-Chairs Share Compassionate Insights at Fordham University

photos courtesy of FCLC United Student Government

On Thursday, October 16, Fordham College at Lincoln Center’s United Student Government, Asian Pacific American Coalition, and Immigration Advocacy Coalition hosted a panel titled “Immigration Rights & Immigration Law Today.”  The panelists were practicing attorneys from AABANY: Zhixian Liu and Susan Song (Co-Chairs of AABANY’s Immigration Law Committee) and Yen-Yi Anderson (Co-Chair of AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee).  Additionally, two of the three student hosts, Daphne Mei and Juliet Romero, were former AABANY Legal Interns. 

Fifty undergraduate students eagerly listened as the speakers shared their personal journeys into immigration law, each being an immigrant themselves. Anderson, who immigrated from Taiwan, discussed her non-linear career path and how she unexpectedly entered the non-profit sector before transitioning to the field of immigration law. Setting the context for today’s challenges, Song described the increasingly complex environment of practicing law under an administration that aggressively enforces immigration policies. Liu, speaking about the daily life of an immigration attorney, highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially when working under political conditions that may seem discouraging.

The panelists stressed the importance of client preparedness, highlighting that proactive measures are crucial for individuals facing potential ICE enforcement actions. They recommended that clients secure legal counsel, establish emergency plans, and organize their legal and financial documents to ensure they are ready for any situation. 

The panelists also talked about student safety, especially for individuals  and families who do not have legal permanent status. They emphasized that knowing one’s rights during encounters with authorities is vital, and carrying a readily accessible “Know Your Rights” card can provide valuable information in an emergency.

Lastly, the panelists encouraged permanent residents to leverage their status to support those who are undocumented. They urged these allies to actively engage in community efforts by connecting undocumented persons with legal aid and emergency support networks, fostering a sense of solidarity and assistance within the community.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A where students sought actionable advice on both career preparation and community advocacy. The audience asked the speakers about effective pathways into immigration law, suggestions for volunteer opportunities, and what an undergraduate should know before pursuing a legal career. Students also inquired about how local communities could collaborate with legal professionals to address ICE’s actions during the Trump administration. 

The speakers shared several insightful takeaways. Anderson encouraged students to engage in meaningful volunteer work at AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic, an invaluable resource that offers free legal assistance and is open to all members of the community. This opportunity not only allows students to gain practical experience but also to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected. Liu passionately emphasized the necessity of confronting political challenges with courage and determination, inspiring aspiring immigration law professionals to pursue their careers without fear.

Students left the panel filled with courage and hope, inspired by the speakers who shared uplifting messages about the vital importance of working in the immigration field today. The event was made even more enjoyable with delicious boba tea, Korean fried chicken, and bulgogi fried rice.

AABANY thanks the Fordham undergraduate student leaders for hosting this timely panel discussion.
–written by Eva Lee,  President of Immigration Advocacy Coalition (IAC), Fordham University

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Smashing Good Time: AABANY’s Ping Pong Social at PingPod, presented by Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees

When it comes to bringing people together for a weekend afternoon of fun, networking, and friendly competition, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) knows how to serve up an ace. On Saturday, October 7, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees organized an exciting Ping Pong social event at PingPod on the Lower East Side, and it was an afternoon filled with excitement, camaraderie, and impressive rallies.

Ping Pong enthusiasts from various legal backgrounds gathered at PingPod, each armed with a paddle and ready to showcase their skills. From beginners to seasoned pros, the event welcomed players of all levels. It was a fantastic opportunity for lawyers from both private and public sectors and recent law school graduates to let off some steam and engage in some friendly competition.

Participants also found themselves forging new connections, discussing legal topics, and even making potential career moves between rallies. Ping Pong truly served as the icebreaker, and the event demonstrated how professional connections can be made in the most unexpected settings.

Thank you to everyone for spending their Saturday afternoon with AABANY. Here’s to more exciting events and unforgettable moments brought by AABANY! Special thanks to Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, Ada Wang, Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee, and Susan Song, Co-Chair of the Immigration Law Committee, for their hard work planning and organizing this event.

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Immigration Law and Pro Bono and Community Service Committees Participate in Immigrant Resource Day in Flushing

On July 15th, 2023, AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) and Immigration Law Committees participated in Immigrant Resource Day, a community event aimed at promoting services for New York immigrants, including those who are newly-arrived in the country. Held in Herald Gospel Plaza in Flushing, nearly twenty New York City government departments and various community organizations came together under the banner of the Chinese Christian Herald Crusades. 

The event attracted hundreds of attendees of various backgrounds, coming in for immigration information, legal consultation, social welfare programs, and to apply for the New York Resident Card (IDNYC). At the event, PBCS Committee Co-Chairs, Kwok Ng and Lina Lee, and Vice Chair May Wong, managed the Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the event. At the clinic, AABANY volunteer attorneys generously volunteered their time and expertise to offer guidance, advice, and support to those seeking legal assistance. 

The event surpassed all expectations in terms of the number of individuals served in a single day. With 56 registered participants seeking advice, AABANY was able to successfully assist 28 families facing challenging situations. We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support and dedication shown by the volunteers who participated in the event. The tireless efforts of our team, consisting of fourteen AABANY attorneys, four AABANY non-attorneys, and three staff members from Asian American for Equality (AAFE), our community partner, contributed to the overall success of the day.

Furthermore, the Co-Chairs of the Immigration Law Committee, Zhixian (Jessie) Liu and Susan Song, invited former Co-Chair Tsui H. Yee to present a workshop about asylum and immigrant rights. Ms. Yee, an immigration lawyer with over 20 years of experience, discussed the process of applying for asylum, requirements for qualification, the timeline of the application process, and answered questions posed by the audience. Overall, the workshop not only provided valuable insights into the asylum application process, but also gave attendees a platform to receive expert guidance from an experienced legal professional.

The fair also highlighted the urgent need for immigration attorneys that can provide crucial assistance to Chinese migrants and asylum seekers that have arrived at the US-Mexico border in recent months. AABANY lawyers were able to interact with many individuals seeking assistance with asylum and deportation-related matters, who were influenced by misleading information on social media platforms, exploited by unscrupulous agents, or left without legal representation. The Immigration Law Committee hopes to establish a comprehensive network of trusted referrals and legal support for this community, enlisting the help of attorneys on a pro bono basis, through paid representation, or for collaboration in future workshops. 

Thank you to the PBCS and Immigration Law Committees for organizing this event. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to Jessie Liu and Susan Song, the Co-Chairs of the Immigration Law Committee, for their exceptional efforts in conducting the workshop alongside Tsui H. Yee. We appreciate their dedication in assisting clients with immigration issues, even taking on back-to-back cases to address clients’ pressing concerns. We thank Tsui for sharing her valuable legal expertise during the workshop and for generously addressing the concerns of clients even after its conclusion. Her contributions helped drive the success of the event. In addition, we thank our partner organizations, the Chinese Christian Herald Crusades (CCHC), and AAFE.

Last but not least, thank you to the dedicated volunteers that made the Pro Bono Clinic at Immigration Resource Day a success:

Volunteer Attorneys:

  • Chris Kwok
  • Gary Yeung
  • John Hwang
  • Kevin Hsi
  • Kwok Kei Ng  
  • Lina Lee
  • May Wong
  • Shengyang (John) Wu
  • Shirley Luong
  • Susan Song  
  • Tsui Yee  
  • Yvette Wang  
  • Zhixian (Jessie) Liu  
  • Zhujing Wu

Interpreters & Shadowers:

  • David Tse
  • I-Kai Lee
  • Jadyn Tiong
  • Ruo Yang
  • Nuala Naranja (AAFE)
  • Elton Ye (AAFE)
  • Xiaodong Zhang (AAFE)

If you have expertise in asylum and deportation matters, or you know someone who does, please reach out to the Immigration Law Committee co-chairs, Zhixian Liu or Susan Song, and help AABANY establish a network of trusted referrals for newly arrived immigrants. 

You can also help out by keeping an eye out for future Pro Bono Clinics here, and registering as a volunteer. Click here to view the calendar entry for the next Pro Bono Clinic on August 16th, and fill out the registration form here. Please register as a volunteer by 12pm, August 11th, 2023.

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AABANY Immigration Law Committee Presents “Immigration Changes Under the Biden Administration: A Look Back and Overview” on April 20

On April 20, Immigration Law Committee Co-Chairs Annie Wang, Poonam Gupta, and Zhixian (Jessie) Liu held a webinar titled “Immigration Changes Under the Biden Administration: A Look Back and Overview.” The co-chairs provided updates to the immigration policies under the Biden administration and compared it to the plans President Biden had outlined when he first took office.

In the webinar, the Immigration Law Committee provided updates to the status of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and discussed how passage of the bills could affect the pathway to citizenship. The co-chairs also covered employment-based immigration changes including the withdrawal of the H-4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) rule, the repeal of the BAHA (Buy American and Hire American) Executive Order, and the changes to the H-1B Visa Program for fiscal year 2022. Co-Chair Annie Wang discussed the national dialogue surrounding asylum and refugee resettlement, and gave an update on the status of current DACA litigation. The co-chairs concluded the webinar by providing a quick overview of the rescission of the Public Charge Rule.

The Immigration Law Committee plans to continue hosting quarterly webinars to provide the AABANY community with immigration updates under the Biden administration. To learn more about the Immigration Law Committee’s upcoming events, please contact the committee co-chairs at https://www.aabany.org/page/129. 

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