by changer | Apr 23, 2015 | Home and More News, Legal Services, News
Catholic Migration Services’ Immigrant Tenant Advocacy Program will be hosting a Queens Town Hall on the right to counsel in Housing Court. This event is an opportunity for community members to discuss Intro 214, a bill currently before the New York City Council which, if passed, would provide tenants the right to an attorney in eviction proceedings. The town hall is an opportunity for community members to share their thoughts on the implications of going to court in eviction proceedings without an attorney and how it creates an additional incentive for landlords to harass and displace tenants. At the town hall, we will introduce Intro 214, and discuss how community members can achieve the historic goal of making New York City the first city in the United States to guarantee tenants a right to counsel in eviction proceedings. Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
by changer | Apr 13, 2015 | Family Resources, feature, fundraising, Home and More News, Immigration, Legal Services, More News, News
On Wednesday, April 8th, Joe Crowley, Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and NYS Assembly Member Francisco Moya hosted an immigration forum in Jackson Heights, Queens. During this meeting leaders and experts on immigration discussed the status of President Obama’s executive action on immigration, the future of the NY DREAM Act, fraud prevention, the Central American Minors program, and different benefits and services available to immigrants in New York. This meeting provided members of the local community an opportunity to receive information and ask questions on the various programs that effect immigrants. CMS Immigration Counselor Marisol Canales was a member of the panel, she discussed CMS’ role in empowering immigrant communities and providing valuable resources and services. Other participating organizations included the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Legal Aid Society, SCO Family of Services, International Rescue Committee, Make the Road New York, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, FWD.us, Queens Community House, and CUNY Citizenship Now. New York State Senator Jose Peralta also joined the meeting held by Crowley and Moya.
by changer | Mar 10, 2015 | Legal Services, News
CMS staff member Mariam Magar led an Arabic presentation on March 8th at St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Long Island City. She discussed CMS services, our Immigrant Tenant Advocacy Program, and housing law. Arabic-speaking representatives from Catholic Charities and Fidelis Care were also there to present and answer questions. Over 50 people attended this presentation. Following the presentation Mariam conducted consultations for around 15 people. Many people expressed gratitude for CMS presenting and serving the community. This programming is made possible in part by the support of New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer.
by changer | Mar 4, 2015 | Home and More News
CMS and MRNY staff collaborate to host a Citizenship Workshop.
On Saturday, February 28th, Catholic Migration Services teamed up with Make the Road NY to host a workshop to help lawful permanent residents start their applications to become naturalized US citizens. The event took place at the Make the Road office in Bushwick, Brooklyn. (more…)
by changer | Mar 4, 2015 | News, Workers' Rights
Governor Cuomo’s administration announced on February 24th that by December 31, 2015, the tipped minimum wage will be $7.50 in New York State. This is in response to over 2,000 emails to the New York State Department of Labor, rallies, and public testimonies. As a result of the two-tiered wage system that is currently in place service workers are forced to live off of tips for the bulk of their take-home pay. This is a huge victory for wage equality and fair wages for restaurant servers, hotel housekeepers and other tipped employees in New York.
