Volunteer Now with the NYIC!

Do you want to be part of an historic moment?  Tens of thousands of young people all around the country are lining up to learn how the Obama Administration's new policy can protect them from deportation and allow them to work. Under the policy, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), certain immigrant youth who came to the United States as children will be granted a two-year reprieve from deportation and the legal ability to work.

It’s only a partial fix—only the federal DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform will provide an adequate and lasting solution—but it will still have a significant impact and is paving  the way for more lasting reform.

In New York State, as many as 110,000 New Yorkers could qualify. The New York Immigration Coalition has already received more than 1,000 requests from immigrant youth trying to learn if they qualify and seeking legal assistance.

Here are ways you can help right now:

• Are you a lawyer or law student that can volunteer your time? We have hundreds of young people who have been screened for eligibility but now require legal assistance to complete their applications. Training and supervision will be provided by experienced immigration attorneys so even if you do not have immigration law experience, you can still volunteer!

• Would you like to volunteer with the NYIC?  We need individuals who can help out at our community education events and legal clinics, come to our office to photocopy materials for informational sessions and legal clinics, schedule appointments for applicants with attorneys, schedule legal clinics in coordination with legal and community groups, maintain files and data entry, answer phones and respond to messages.

• Are you able to donate to the NYIC?  We are receiving more than 100 calls each day!  In order to meet the overwhelming need in our community, we need more resources and staff.  At a minimum, we need to hire temporary workers who can help coordinate volunteers.