First Legal Clinic in 2023
“Nahirapan ako maghanap ng tulong noon hanggang nasabi ko na lang na parang wala na akong pag-asa na makakita ng tutulong sa akin. Pero noong nakausap ko si Atty. Kiki ng Take Root Justice, parang na bigyan ulit ako ng pag-asa. Nakatulong ng malaki kasi nasabi ko sa kanya ang lahat ng problema ko. Salamat sa Damayan Legal Clinic. (I had a hard time looking for help before until I just said that I had no hope of finding someone to help me. But when I talked to Atty. Kiki of Take Root Justice, seems to give me hope again. It helped a lot because I told him all my problems. Thanks to Damayan Legal Clinic.)” - Lilian, Damayan member, caregiver
Last February 4, Damayan’s Free Legal Clinic was held at The People’s Forum, where many of the members were able to receive free labor and immigration consultations with Damayan’s network of pro bono attorneys. Providing their services were guest attorneys and Damayan allies, Alex Hu of New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), Kiki Tapiero of Take Root Justice (TRJ), and Benjamin Locke of Catholic Migration Services (CMS).
Damayan Case Manager Lydia Catina led an orientation to the Damayan case management system and workflow, preparing the workers who brought forth their current or prospective labor and immigration cases and questions. Some, like Ate Lilian, have been searching for legal advice but have not had the trusted resource to find one. As Damayan Executive Director, Riya Ortiz explained, it is common for illegitimate law offices or paralegals to masquerade as attorneys and prey on migrant workers who are struggling to navigate the immigration and labor laws in the US. The Damayan Legal Clinic paves the way for members to gain access to legitimate legal assistance to move their cases forward.
Damayan Special Projects Coordinator Mayra Bermeo, with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), presented about the common fears surrounding ICE encounters during the Damayan Legal Clinic. With an explanation about the agency’s mandate, coupled with the presentation on workers’ rights regardless of immigration status, this helped combat fear by exposing the truth and equipping workers with knowledge. Mayra further presented about how to avoid discrimination fraud, as well as common discriminations workers encounter such as in housing and in the workplace.
It was a good day to celebrate the victories of the community that day–bringing their questions to light during the Legal Clinic intake and empowering them with knowledge of their rights.
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