Jun. 28, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
Flushing Councilwoman Sandra Ung, in partnership with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Asian Immigrant Justice Project, will provide free legal assistance to constituents in her district office beginning Friday, June 30.
The first session will take place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Ung’s office located at 135-27 38th Ave. Suite 388. Attorneys from the group will be in Ung’s district office the last Friday of every month through September.
“I already provide a number of free legal, social and business services in my district office, and the response proves there is a demand for these services in our immigrant community,” Ung said. “I am excited to be partnering with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) to provide even more of these services, specifically on issues that affect the Asian-American community, such as hate crimes and immigration fraud. I urge anyone who is in a situation that requires the advice of a lawyer to make an appointment with my office to meet with an attorney.”
Created in response to the rise of anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Immigrant Justice Project (AIJP) was founded with the support of the New York Community Trust (NYCT) to serve the Asian immigrant community with legal representation and know-your-rights education. The AIJP partners with trusted local organizations and assists immigrants who have been victims of crimes, domestic violence, human trafficking, fraud, and other hardships.
“The AIJP is a new project of the New York Legal Assistance Group that offers free immigration legal services to the low-income Asian immigrant community in New York City,” said Alexander Hu, coordinating senior attorney for NYLAG’s Immigrant Protection Unit. “Historically, the Asian immigrant community has faced many challenges, including a lack of funding for services, public awareness and language access. The AIJP seeks to meet the needs of the Asian immigrant community in New York City and help its members assert their rights with confidence.”
NYLAG attorneys can provide advice and consultations on a wide range of legal issues, including crime and domestic violence cases, instances where people were brought to the U.S. to work through force or via human trafficking, and immigration issues. In some cases, the consultation may lead to pro bono legal representation.
People interested in a consultation should make an appointment through Ung’s office by calling 718-888-8747 or emailing district20@council.nyc.gov.