Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) and her Immigration Task Force yesterday announced details of their upcoming “Know Your Rights Week”, a series of free informational workshops and confidential legal clinics for immigrants in various neighborhoods between June 25-29.
The week will consist of five events across Elmhurst, Flushing, Jackson Heights, Jamaica and Sunnyside, and with mmigrants making up nearly half of the borough’s 2.3 million residents, a huge turnout is expected.
“In partnership with a host of organizations and colleagues in local government, we are pleased to hold the first – but certainly not the last – Know Your Rights Week for Immigrants, designed to connect our various communities to committed legal experts, advocates and other resources. Together, we will do everything possible to help counteract the hostility of the current political climate. Queens has your back,” said Katz.
Confidential; appointments are recommended for most of the events, although walk-ins are also welcome at all events. People are encouraged to ask questions with immigration lawyers, experts and advocates, and seek guidance on the rights that immigrants are afforded under the law.
Among the services offered are legal advice on removal proceedings, clinics on the naturalization process and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and one-on-one consultations for individuals who are in removal proceedings or are seeking asylum.
“Our state’s strength lies in its diversity,” said State Lieutenant Governor kathy Hochul. “We have a proud and strong history of protecting immigrant rights, and ‘Know Your Rights Week,’ spearheaded by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, offers immigrants assistance and guidance on their rights under the law. We want to ensure that Queens and New York State remain a home of opportunities and safety for immigrants and their families.”
“Nearly half of our borough’s population immigrated here from another country, making Queens one of the most culturally rich counties in the entire country,” said State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans, Cambria Heights, Jamaica, Hollis, Rosedale, Laurelton, Kew Gardens, Queens Village). “I commend Borough President Katz and her office’s Immigration Task Force for organizing ‘Know Your Rights Week’ to bring attention to the important issues that immigrants face and deliver much needed free immigration services to neighborhood across our borough.”
“Borough President Katz’s Know Your Rights workshops will empower immigrant families,” said City Council Member Daniel Dromm, “My district is home to one of the largest and most diverse immigrant communities in the state. I am pleased that the Borough President is making every effort to protect our immigrants from harassment, discrimination and violence. I will continue to work alongside her to ensure that Queens remains a safe haven for all people.”
