Help Make a Difference: In-Person and Remote Pro Bono at #AILAAC23
Immigration attorneys who share their expertise via pro bono change lives. We’ve seen this again and again, and heard from members about how doing pro bono has affected them personally in positive ways as well.
The recent passage of anti-immigrant legislation in Florida is only serving as a motivator for us on the pro bono side, to try and recruit as many AILA members as possible to volunteer to help lawful permanent residents on their final steps to citizenship in Orlando and across the country at AILA’s Annual Conference on June 24th.
Whether immigration attorneys are attending the conference in person or remotely, there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved. AILA is partnering with the AILA Central Florida Chapter, Mi Familia Vota, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to hold both in-person and remote naturalization clinics.
The IN-PERSON event will be held in collaboration with Mi Familia Vota and the AILA Central Florida Chapter on Saturday, June 24, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (ET). Based in Orlando, Mi Familia Vota is a national civic engagement non-profit organization that unites Latino, immigrant, and allied communities to promote social and economic justice through citizenship workshops, voter registration, and voter participation. Using Citizenshipworks, the event will include the review of naturalization applications and will serve the Orlando immigrant community. The goal is to assist 50 lawful permanent residents. Mi Familia Vota will offer training and seeks 25-30 volunteer attorneys, with approximately two consultations per attorney. Volunteers should bring a laptop. Spanish language skills are a plus.
The REMOTE event will be held in collaboration with SEIU on Saturday, June 24, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm (ET), with time slots available from 12:00-1:30 pm ET, 1:30-3:00 pm ET, and 3:00 -5:00 pm ET. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families across the country by creating a more just and humane society. Also using Citizenshipworks, this event will also include the review of naturalization application and will serve immigrants across the US, including janitors, home care workers, maintenance workers, and property services. The goal is to assist 80 lawful permanent residents. SEIU will provide a recorded attorney training on June 13th at 6 pm ET. This event seeks approximately 30 volunteer attorneys, with approximately 2-3 application reviews per attorneys during their time slot. Attorneys may also sign up to volunteer ahead of the event. Spanish language skills are a plus.
Both events are currently recruiting volunteer attorneys and Spanish speakers to serve as interpreters. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here and contact AILA with any questions at probono@aila.org.
