MAYOR’S OFFICE, LEGAL ADVOCATES, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS DISCUSS FUTURE STEPS REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA’S EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON IMMIGRATION

MAYOR’S OFFICE, LEGAL ADVOCATES, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS DISCUSS FUTURE STEPS REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA’S EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON IMMIGRATION

BOSTON – Wednesday, May 13, 2015 – The Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians today discussed future steps regarding two of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration: expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents), at a press conference at City Hall.

The Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians announced that the City will organize a free legal clinic on Saturday May 30 to support immigrant families looking to qualify for the President’s executive actions and thereby qualify for a work permit, social security number, protection from deportation, a Massachusetts driver’s license, and in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

Speakers included city officials and community organizations who have come together to advocate for these programs.

 “It is critical that Boston continues to be a welcoming city that serves all of the people who live and work here,” said Felix G. Arroyo, Chief of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston.

“It is a priority for our office to educate our communities about changes to our immigration system and help connect them to city and community resources,” said Alejandra St. Guillen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians. “Despite the legal hold up in the courts, we are continuing to help immigrants prepare so that when applications are released, individuals are ready to immediately apply.”

At today’s event, an East Boston parent shared his personal story as a DAPA-eligible immigrant, stating that DAPA would benefit him immensely by opening up more work opportunities and alleviating the constant fear of family separation.

“There are thousands of immigrant families in Boston and tens of thousands in Massachusetts who could benefit from these programs which will also give the city and state a big economic boost,” said Patricia Sobalvarro, Executive Director of Agencia ALPHA.

The free immigration legal clinic will be from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. by appointment at the Mario Umana Academy, 312 Border St. in East Boston and is available to anyone who may be DACA or DAPA eligible. People can register by calling 617-635-4141.