LawHelp NY Addresses Growing Need for Immigration Information

LawHelp.org/NY, the award winning legal information website, announces the expansion and revamping of their Immigration section to make it easier for the immigrant community to find the legal help they need. 
Legal Services NYC is a founding member of the New York LawHelp Consortium which provides LawHelp.org/NY.

From the LawHelp.org/NY press release:

Immigrants throughout NY State face daunting challenges.  Recent population surveys estimate there are 11.1 undocumented immigrants in the US with no pathway to legal status.  The lack of affordable and licensed immigration lawyers to help immigrants maneuver the complicated and often mysterious immigration system has resulted in immigrants falling prey to illegal Notarios and immigration scams that create false hopes of obtaining legal status in the US.  
 
Immigration lawyers throughout New York State with first hand knowledge of the challenges their clients face, and the limits of the current immigration system, acknowledge the importance of accurate and up-to-date immigration information.  Walter Ruehle, Director of Immigration Services at Legal Aid of Rochester, feels that “while the greatest challenge his clients face is lack of immigration status, it is still essential that immigrants have access to accurate and understandable information about immigration laws and procedures”.   
 
LawHelp.org/NY, the award-winning website for low-income New Yorkers facing legal challenges received funding from the New York Community Trust (NYCT) to expand and revamp their Immigration section.  The website offers a one-of-a-kind, online directory providing immigrants with access to over 200 free immigration legal service projects throughout New York State, the only comprehensive source of this information in the state.  
 
LawHelp.org/NY also features a unique portal to over 400 Know Your Rights resources aimed at helping immigrants understand the current immigration system and their rights in dealing with different legal challenges such as how to become a permanent resident, what to do if you are a victim of domestic violence, how to avoid and cope with deportation and removals, the right to work in the US, and how to combat immigration fraud.     
 
With over 30 languages currently being spoken in New York State, it is just as important that this information be available in languages other than English.  LawHelp.org/NY has developed a Spanish mirror site which can be accessed at www.ayudalegalny.org  as well as created a directory of Know Your Rights resources available in 33 other languages.   
 
LawHelp.org/NY is currently being used by hundreds of human service providers, not-for-profits, government agencies, legislative staff, and community organization throughout New York State.  You can request a free, in-person or online trainings for your organization by contacting LawHelp staff.
 
In addition to the revised Immigration section, LawHelp.org/NY provides legal resources in 14 different areas, including: Consumer Rights, Housing, Public Benefits, Family & Juvenile Justice, Internet Fraud, Education, Health, Disability, Taxes, Consequences of Criminal Charges, Life Planning, Individual Rights, Workers’ Rights, and Seniors.   

LawHelp.org/NY is a joint project of New York State’s legal aid programs and bar associations to provide free, easy-to-navigate resources that provide critical legal information and referrals to low-income individuals and families.    

Legal Services NYC is a member of the New York LawHelp Consortium which provides LawHelp.org/NY.

Click here to view the full press release from LawHelp.org/NY.