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Q&A

Exploration of expanded legal services and funding commitments for immigrants

1:27:03

·

3 min

Council Member Aviles presses MOIA representatives on plans to expand legal services for immigrants and secure additional funding commitments. The discussion reveals that while MOIA is exploring options, there are no concrete commitments for increased funding at this time.

MOIA is exploring ways to strengthen and expand legal services
There's a recognized need for comprehensive immigration legal screenings
No new funding commitments are announced, with MOIA emphasizing existing baseline funding
Council Member Aviles expresses concern about limited funding and the focus on screening rather than full legal representation

Manuel Castro

1:27:03

We're exploring ways, again, to strengthen and expand our legal services, work.

1:27:12

I understand that there will be, and there currently is, tens of thousands of people that need comprehensive immigration, legal screenings so that they can understand their options.

1:27:26

And, you know, this is something that we're exploring and thinking through very carefully.

1:27:32

But, yes, the the the need, is currently significant and will grow.

1:27:39

So we are thinking through our options.

Alexa Aviles

1:27:43

Has the administration committed to committed funding, expanded funding, not the ongoing or not renewing funding that was cut?

1:27:53

Is there increased funding commitment for the legal services?

Manuel Castro

1:27:58

So we do not have anything to commit to at the moment.

1:28:02

But like I said, we are exploring every every options, that we have.

1:28:08

And, again, this is, ongoing work, and we'll be discussing, some of our thinking with our current legal providers soon.

Alexa Aviles

1:28:17

You mentioned the $18,000,000 in your testimony.

1:28:20

Is that is that increased funding?

Manuel Castro

1:28:25

No.

1:28:25

That is existing baseline finding available to Moyah to provide immigration legal services.

Alexa Aviles

1:28:30

And that's is that the current, funding for Action

Manuel Castro

1:28:36

NYC?

1:28:36

That is, yes.

1:28:38

Funding available to Moya, to, provide immigration legal services to our communities.

1:28:44

Again, there are other programs that are administered by HRA, currently OASO as well.

1:28:52

And, you know, as I said before, New York City continues to be, the city that invests more in legal services than any other city in the country.

1:29:02

And, again, we're very committed to our immigrant communities in supporting them with with these services.

Alexa Aviles

1:29:08

Yes.

1:29:09

But to your earlier point, much of the fund funding is limited, and we are pouring a significant amount into screening and not full legal representation, which is both hard to find and not adequately funded.

Manuel Castro

1:29:25

The the sorry.

1:29:26

Just No.

1:29:27

To clarify.

1:29:27

Some of the some of the many of the discussions with our immigration legal, providers have emphasized the need for comprehensive legal screenings because, frankly, many people do not have or are not eligible for immigration relief, and they need to, you know, sit down with someone to discuss their options and understand carefully, what their legal risks are and, what they may or may not be able to do moving forward, which is why we emphasize this.

1:29:59

It is also a good tool to combat immigration legal services fraud.

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