Information About Asylum and Providing Assistance to Asylum Seekers

In this presentation, we will lay the foundation for the immigration crisis in NYC, emphasizing border policies, busing of migrants to New York, inability to work legally in the United States, and the lack of representation for individuals in immigration court proceedings. We will also discuss:

• the impact these policies have on immigrants seeking assistance in NYC and also the impact among our staff. 
• the recent indictment of the 26 Federal Plaza security guard who sexually assaulted an asylum seeker. 

The first half of this presentation will act as a call-to-action for NYSBA attorneys and potential pro bonos. In the second part of the presentation, we will be providing a substantive overview of asylum law and how the New York Legal Response/Immigration Court Helpdesk programs operate. Information on volunteer opportunities will be provided, emphasizing how recurring volunteers can provide meaningful assistance. We will bring specific cases that we will pitch for placement to NYSBA attorneys.

Speakers:

Areeba Thakir, Supervising Attorney, New York Legal Response

Hannah Strauss, Lead Project Attorney, Immigration Court Helpdesk + Family Group Legal Orientation Program

Susan Marks, Partnerships and Engagement Manager