Integrated Legal and Systemic Advocacy

Successfully mobilized public and organizational support to advocate for lifting the HIV travel and immigration ban, resulting in revised HHS regulations effective January 4, 2010, which removed HIV from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance.

Engages in policy advocacy by educating policymakers, submitting comments, testifying at hearings, and mobilizing public campaigns to advance protections for LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants, including advocating for marriage-based green cards and against detention abuses.

Develops and maintains a network of LGBTQ-friendly attorneys to provide pro bono legal representation in immigration cases, and offers training and ongoing support to these attorneys.

Co-published the LGBTQ/HIV Asylum Manual and other legal resources, including an FAQ on immigration-related identity documents, to support attorneys and advocates working on LGBTQ and HIV asylum and immigration cases.

Secures widespread media coverage, with spokespeople quoted regularly in national outlets, and maintains a broad digital presence through a website receiving hundreds of thousands of visits and email/social media lists reaching over 70,000 subscribers.

Produces and co-publishes research reports and maintains a case chart of precedential and non-precedential LGBTQ asylum decisions to document systemic issues and inform legal advocacy.

Produces and provides self-help asylum guides and legal handbooks for LGBTQ and HIV-positive individuals navigating the asylum process without legal representation, as well as for pro bono and immigration attorneys handling such cases.

Offers free legal support, including direct representation, to LGBTQ and HIV-positive individuals facing persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status, including those in immigration detention. Connects over 750 asylum seekers annually with pro bono legal representation and provides referrals and support to thousands more.

Engages in advocacy efforts including organizing discussions on changes in immigration law and campaigning for legislation such as the Dignity Not Detention Act to end ICE contracts with county jails and strengthen protections for immigrants in New York.

Conducted a needs assessment by convening immigrant leaders and service providers, developed a business plan in collaboration with NYU’s Stern School of Business, and created an internship program for immigrant teens at the International High School of Prospect Heights.

Conducts and hosts educational workshops and seminars on U.S. immigration procedures, immigrant rights, asylum and work authorization applications, and preparation for interviews and court hearings, in collaboration with community organizations, schools, and workplaces.

Offers in-person and group resume building workshops that provide hands-on guidance to help participants create personalized resumes, improve job readiness, and gain skills for business ownership or contracting, as part of broader workforce development services.

Operates an emergency food pantry providing nonperishable food items and a year-round Community Closet that distributes seasonal supplies such as back-to-school materials and winter clothing to community members in need.

Runs the Bronx Immigration Partnership program to provide legal and social support to immigrant communities in the Bronx, including services for those at risk of detention and deportation by ICE.

Provides direct legal services including free legal consultations, representation in deportation proceedings, asylum applications, and affirmative and defensive immigration cases for immigrant communities across New York State. Represents clients before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Offers specialized legal representation and social support services for queer and transgender immigrants, particularly Black and brown and TGNC individuals, through the Queer Immigrant Justice Project, including assistance with asylum, gender marker changes, and connections to health care, housing, and transitioning support.

Offers an online platform where immigrant New Yorkers can access information about local social services and supports across New York City.

Designs and hosts clinics to assist newly arrived migrants in completing and filing asylum and work authorization applications independently, including screening, triage, and referrals to additional resources.