Lighting the Way for Our Neighbors…
In an effort to serve the area’s immigrant residents, Westminster Presbyterian Church and FOCUS Churches of Albany (the “Co-Sponsors”) are launching an Immigration Legal Services Clinic (the “LIGHT Clinic”) for our community. The torch on the Statue of Liberty shines for all and this clinic shines a light to assist new immigrants left in the dark.
L for Legal Assistance, I for Immigration, G for using our Gifts, H for hope, and T for Together, we can help our neighbors.
A practicing attorney will oversee the LIGHT Clinic. The Co-Sponsors hope to involve area legal practitioners and law students interested in rendering pro bono legal services to immigrants of all statuses. The type of legal services provided will cover the spectrum from advice, to informal advocacy, to representation in adversarial proceedings. The Co-Sponsors rolled out the LIGHT Clinic in January 2022, and the LIGHT Clinic will assist with a range of legal problems that new immigrant communities regularly face.
At this stage, it is envisaged that the LIGHT Clinic will cover the following areas of law:
- Immigration/asylum law
- Claims for public benefits – e.g. social security, SNAP
- Eviction and foreclosure prevention
- Public housing
- Credit debt
At this stage, it is envisaged that the LIGHT Clinic will cover the following areas of law:
- Immigration/asylum law
- Claims for public benefits – e.g. social security, SNAP
- Eviction and foreclosure prevention
- Public housing
- Credit debt
The LIGHT Clinic will conduct its next clinic in partnership with USCRI for Afghan refugees:
Where:
85 Chestnut St, Albany, NY 12210
When:
- May 21: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- May 23: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- May 24: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
During these clinics, individuals are screened for their eligibility for additional legal services. In addition, the following organizations are co-sponsors, helping to further the goals of the LIGHT Clinic:
- Albany Law School
- Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc. (RISSE)
- Legal Project
For more information, please contact the Westminster church office at: office@wpcalbany.org or 518-436-8544
