Referrals
Legal Assistance
Welcoming NY: Legal Assistance
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WHAT IS IT​
The Legal Department provides guidance and limited support for individuals navigating immigration processes. We offer assistance by addressing questions, concerns, or comments individuals may have throughout their immigration journey. Our services include scheduling appointments to assist with:
Asylum Application
Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal)
If you’re seeking safety in the U.S. because you fear persecution in your home country, you can apply for asylum. Asylum seekers in the United States must demonstrate that they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. It's important to submit this form within one year of arrival in the U.S. unless there are exceptional circumstances. La Colmena provides guidance on completing the form, gathering supporting documents, and navigating the interview and court processes.
Employment Authorization Document
Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
Individuals in the U.S. on certain types of visas or under specific immigration statuses (such as those with pending asylum, Temporary Protected Status, or certain family-based immigrants) may be eligible for a work permit. La Colmena can assess if you're eligible, help you complete the form, and submit the required documents.
Change of Address
EOIR-33/IC (Change of Address)
If you move, you must notify USCIS within 10 days. Not updating your address could cause delays in your case or cause you to miss important notices. The form is used to update your address with USCIS and other immigration authorities.
Change of Court
EOIR-33 (Change of Address Form for Immigration Court)
If you're in immigration court proceedings, you can request to change your court location. This might be necessary if you've moved to a new area or if attending hearings at your current court is difficult.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS
I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
If you’re from a country facing disaster or conflict, you may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows you to stay in the U.S. temporarily and work. To apply, you need to submit an I-821 for TPS and an I-765 for a work permit. We assist with both forms, ensuring they are completed properly for initial applications or renewals.
Legal Services Highlights - FY2
In our first year of providing legal services, we assisted 328 unique individuals and reached 281 community members through Know Your Rights (KYR) sessions and legal orientations. As arrivals increased, we met the surging demand for immigration support by completing 168 asylum applications and 83 Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in FY24, laying a strong foundation for their continued support into the next year.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
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For more information, please contact
La Colmena’s Legal Services Coordinator, Madeleine Bravo, at
929-701-7839 or madeleine@lacolmenanyc.org
Legal Schedule
Mondays – Out of office | Intake & Application Processing
Tuesdays – Limited Appointments Available
Wednesdays – Appointments only (9 AM - 5 PM)
Thursdays – Walk-ins only (9 AM – 2 PM)
Fridays – Out of office | Intake & Application Processing