FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 

Contact: Yang Chen, Executive Director, (718) 228-7206

ASIAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK HELPS IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES AS DEFERRED ACTION GUIDELINES ARE RENEWED

NEW YORK – June 17, 2014 – The Asian American Bar Association of New York (“AABANY”) is proud to announce that along with the MinKwon Center and the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (“KALAGNY”), we will be working to provide Asian American communities with free legal assistance in compliance with the renewed guidelines and application forms for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).

Since 2012, DACA has provided temporary protection from deportation and temporary employment authorization for undocumented individuals who came to the United States before their 16th birthday, have continuously resided in the United States, and have met specific educational requirements. While not providing a direct path to citizenship, DACA provides temporary protection and allows these individuals to apply for a Social Security card. This protection expires in two years if not renewed.

Under new regulations and guidelines released on June 4th of this year, Form I-821d allows undocumented individuals to file a renewal application 150 days before their current DACA protection expires with an application fee of $465 to the Department of Homeland Security. AABANY encourages all applicants of DACA and DACA renewals to have their case reviewed by an immigration attorney or an attorney trained to provide DACA assistance. Our partnership with MinKwon Center and KALAGNY will allow DACA Renewal Clinics to begin immediately. Individuals requiring assistance should contact MinKwon Center directly at (718) 460-5600.

“AABANY is proud to be partnering with MinKwon on this important initiative,” says Executive Director Yang Chen. “Supporting our communities using our legal skills and knowledge is a vital part of what AABANY does. Working together with MinKwon and KALAGNY, AABANY will help to recruit lawyers and law students to assist those in our immigrant communities seeking work authorization and relief from deportation under DACA.”

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For more information, please contact Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, at (718) 228-7206, or direct any inquiries to [email protected].

The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian Pacific American community.  Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the Asian Pacific American community as a whole.  AABANY is the New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

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MinKwon Center’s Pro Bono DACA Renewal Clinics

Co-sponsored by the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) and the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)
Help protect undocumented youth from deportation by renewing their DACA status.  Pro bono attorneys and volunteer law students conduct intake, legal screenings for relief eligibility, and help undocumented individuals maintain their employment authorization and “deferred action” status.  No prior experience necessary, training will be provided.  Clinic dates are on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. CLE credits will be provided. 
 

Volunteers needed for August 22nd Civil Disobedience Actions at Varick Street Detention Center

We have been informed by NYIC (New York Immigration Coalition) that there is a critical need for legal observers for the civil disobedience actions on August 22 outside of the Varick Street Detention Center. The CD Actions will occur around 12:30 PM.  Below is more information regarding the civil disobedience actions:

Highlighting our Broken Immigration System (August 22 @ 11AM – 1PM with Civil Disobedience Actions around 12:30PM/ Varick Street Detention Center)
 
  • What: With every passing day that the House fails to act, 1100 people are deported.  Our families and communities continue to suffer as a result of a broken immigration system and the Republican House dragging their feet.
  • What do we want: John Boehner to act NOW to keep our families together. The event will start with a Jericho Walk that will escalate with 20+ people engaged in civil disobedience (blocking traffic and entrance to detention center). Supporters who do not want to be arrested will line the sidewalk chanting, holding signs and bearing witness.CD training (likely day before) and legal support will be provided. Negotiations with the NYPD are underway (aiming for dismissal of any charges). 
Please consider supporting this event by either showing up and cheering those who will be engaging in civil disobedience; engaging in civil disobedience (arrestees); or volunteering to be a legal observer!  If anyone is interested in participating, please contact Christina Chang, Advocacy & Organizing Coordinator at MinKwon Center for Community Action at [email protected] or 718.460.5600.
 
All, this is a friendly reminder to RSVP to participate in the civil disobedience action outside Varick St Detention Center on Aug. 22 at NOON. For those who would like to participate but do not wish to face arrest, you can participate in the direct action only.

Please note there will be a training for Civil Disobedience participants on Monday, August 19th at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church located at 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, New York, NY 10022. Please RSVP to [email protected] and [email protected].

Let’s stand together to tell Congress the time is NOW to pass reform. Our communities and families cannot wait any longer for real reform

MinKwon Center GOTV & Voter Protection

Join the MinKwon Center for some Exciting GOTV & Voter Protection
Activities!

Hi all,
 
With less than 3 weeks left until the General Elections on Tuesday, November 6th, we are gearing up for our final push to get out the vote!  Come join us in door knocking or phone banking at any of the following times and locations through to the day of the Elections.  A few hours of your time and enthusiasm can make a tremendous difference for our communities:  For the first time ever, we are voting for our state and federal offices in newly drawn districts.  Now more than ever, it is critical that we have a large presence at the elections. 
 
Phone Banking

Tuesday, Oct. 23rd, 6:00PM
Thursday, Oct. 25th, 6:00PM
Tuesday, Oct. 30th  6:00PM
Thursday, Nov. 1st, 6:00PM
Monday, Nov. 5th, 6:00PM

 


Door Knocking

Wednesday, Oct. 24th, 6:00PM
Monday, Oct. 29th, 6:00PM
Wednesday, Oct. 31st  6:00PM
Sunday, Nov. 4th, 4:00PM

 

Exit Polling

Tuesday, Nov. 6th – All day!

 

If You are Interested, Please Contact Us:

KALCA and the MinKwon Center team up for 2012 Voter Engagement

KALCA is collaborating with the MinKwon Center to coordinate 2012 Voter Engagement activities such as registering voters, phone banking, door knocking, and conducting voter education workshops, and we need your help.  If you are able to volunteer a few hours of your time during the duration of now until November, we need people to assist us with calling registered voters and going door-to-door to remind them to vote. We will also need volunteers to help us with setting up and organizing our outreach programs and workshops during which we hope to educate people about the voter registration process and the importance of casting their ballot. 

SAVE THE DATE
 
Saturday, October 27, time TBA, Door knocking in Flushing, Queens
 
Come join the KALCA Steering Committee members, interns, and volunteers as we partner up with the MinKwon Center for Community Action in Flushing, Queens to go door-knocking on residents’ homes.  In community politics, door-knocking plays an essential role in raising voter awareness and encouraging people to go out and vote. Spend half a day learning what it takes to be an effective community organizer and make an impact in this election!
 
Please RSVP to [email protected] to sign up today