Damayan Hosts The First Legal Clinic of 2025

“I generally try to figure out the best way we can help (the workers). People come in with a variety of issues, and we always strive to find a solution that helps (them) achieve (their) goals.”

—Mel González, Workers’ Rights Attorney, New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)

‘Woodside, NY – Last week, nearly 30 Filipino migrant workers attended Damayan’s Legal Clinic, a free legal consultation offered several times a year. 

During the clinic, attendees had the opportunity to speak with immigration and labor attorneys about their legal concerns and questions. Damayan staff members also presented about the Damayan orientation, legal clinic reminders, and the case agreement. They also did a brief Know Your Rights with ICE training which was especially valuable given the fear, anxiety, and abuses exacerbated by the current administration.

Attorneys addressed a range of immigration and labor-related issues in the one-on-one consultations. To ensure accessibility, Damayan also provided interpreters for workers who felt more comfortable discussing their concerns in Filipino.

Damayan extends its gratitude to the pro bono attorneys from the TakeRoot Justice (TRJ) Immigrant Rights Team,  New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Immigration and Employment Law Unit, and Catholic Migrant Services (CMS) Employment Unit.

The next Legal Clinic will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, 11 AM - 4 PM (location TBD). RSVP is required, as registrants will be contacted for pre-screening. Please check our social media and website, and subscribe to our communications for updates on future events.

Damayan events are free and open to the public, with priority given to Damayan Filipino migrant worker members.