Catholic Charities NY was recently featured on Spectrum News NY1, highlighting their free legal clinics. The segment focused on a clinic held in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, where over 100 immigrants and newly arrived migrants received legal assistance for issues like citizenship and asylum. The Immigrant and Refugee Services team from Catholic Charities provided free legal consultations for both documented and undocumented individuals.

One individual, Lesle Amezquita, shared her harrowing journey from Guatemala to the U.S., where she and her family were held hostage in Mexico. She attended the clinic to apply for asylum and work authorization. “My desire is to look for a job to sustain myself,” Amezquita said. “At the moment, I’m not able to work documentation and work permits.”

The city has opened four legal clinics to aid migrants with applications for asylum and work permits. Mayor Eric Adams has urged the federal government to expedite work authorizations for migrants under parole, emphasizing the need for quicker processing to enable them to seek employment promptly. Catholic Charities’ legal services team continues to offer vital support to individuals navigating immigration challenges, ensuring access to legal resources and guidance.