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OpEd: 'Public Charge' Rule Could Be Devastating to HIV-Positive Immigrants

By ASC Advocacy Director Amanda Lugg for TheBody.com

Just when you thought it couldn't get much worse for immigrants, it could get much worse for immigrants.

In late 2017, the Trump administration announced its intention to impose harsher rules for determining when immigrants are considered a "public charge" -- a legal determination that can block an individual's path to permanent residency (i.e., obtaining a green card).

Under U.S. immigration law, a person seeking a green card through a family relationship must show that they "are not likely to become a public charge," which under current law is someone who is unable to support themselves and thus likely to depend on government benefits for income. Historically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has only excluded applicants based on continuous receipt of cash benefits or long-term institutionalization at government expense, so as not to "inhibit access to non-cash benefits that serve important public interests."

Click here to read the full article.

Sessions Closes Major Path for Asylum Seekers

ICLC Attorney Featured In The New York Times

“The threats from her boyfriend came daily, fear having no respite, Blanca said. If she were to leave him, he told her from his jail cell, he would torture her, cut her into pieces and leave her to die. He was a member of the 18th Street gang in Honduras, and they did these sorts of things. She tried to resist. Then he threw her against a wall when she visited him in jail, the police nowhere to be found. When his fellow gang member later raped and impregnated her, and then another threatened to kill her, she finally fled to the United States in 2013.”

- as reported here in the New York Times, ASC's Immigrant Community Law Center (ICLC) is representing Blanca, whose domestic violence and gang based-claim for asylum is now in jeopardy because of a decision Attorney General Sessions issued, which strips protection from those who need it most -- asylum seekers. Read the full New York Times Story here.

Entrepreneurship + Innovation from Africa and the Diaspora

What a spectacular night spotlighting three trailblazers in entrepreneurism, food, culture, hospitality from the Continent and the Diaspora with brilliant Claude Grunitzky of TRUEAfrica moderating the talk. Big thanks to Claude, the magnificent panelists Chef Pierre Thiam - Yolele Foods, Hawa Hassan - Basbaas, and Shimite Obialo - ANOKO ART, host Toutman Sanders LLP and to all who turned out.

New York Times Speaks With ASC's ICLC About DACA Mail Delays

The New York Times spoke with African Services Committee's Immigrant Community Law Center - ICLC attorney, Mauricio Noroña, about the disastrous effects of DACA renewal mail delays:

Mauricio Noroña, a lawyer at Immigrant Community Law Center in Manhattan called the 1,900 figure, "astounding." He saw the devastating effects the mail delays had on one of his clients, whom he declined to name, saying she was afraid of repercussions from the government.

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News and Updates

President Biden Launches Historic Plan to Restore, Expand Rights of Immigrants

The sweeping U.S. Citizenship Act would extend legal status and citizenship to 11 million undocumented immigrants.

In the first hours of his presidency, Joe Biden unveiled one of the most ambitious immigration plans in U.S. history. President Biden has launched an historic plan to restore and expand the rights of immigrants by introducing the U.S. Citizenship Act, which would extend legal status and citizenship to 11 undocumented immigrants. He's also announced the repeal of the Muslim Ban, the fortification of DACA, the suspension of border wall construction, and the restoration of protections for Liberians DED.

Plus, "the bill further recognizes America as a nation of immigrants by changing the word “alien” to “noncitizen” in our immigration laws."

More here.

ASC Combats Rapid Rise in NYC COVID-19 Cases

The number of new COVID19 cases in NYC has been rising rapidly and is now at a level we have not seen since April. People with underlying health conditions, as well as those who live or care for such people, should take increased precautions. Learn more here.

In addition to offering free and confidential testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, blood glucose, blood pressure, TB, and STIs to walk-in clients throughout the week at ASC’s Testing Center, ASC conducts free COVID-19 PCR tests for the uninsured —along with all of our other free health testing services from our headquarters in Harlem.

All are welcome to stop by Monday to Friday from 11 am to 4 pm to get tested.