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Q&A
Handling of OASC casework after closure
3:23:26
·
133 sec
Council Member Avilés questions how the casework started by OASC will be handled after its closure. Commissioner Castro explains that legal services were provided on a pro se basis and that individuals needing continued assistance will be supported through existing immigration legal service programs.
- OASC casework to be referred to MOIA's hotline and existing providers
- Services were provided on a pro se basis, not for ongoing legal support
- Concerns raised about the long-term implications of the pro se approach
- MOIA to provide information for client referrals as the application help center closes
Alexa Avilés
3:23:26
Do you know what happens with all the casework that that was started on the OASL, the tens of thousands of cases that they opened up for new arrivals?
Manuel Castro
3:23:40
With respect to legal services, the services provided were on a pro se basis.
3:23:49
We'll be supporting those individuals that need continued assistance through our our immigration legal service programs and other programs across the city.
Alexa Avilés
3:24:03
And how will you provide that support?
Manuel Castro
3:24:07
We're referring individuals to contact our hotline or any of our existing providers.
3:24:15
You know, again, this is an ongoing situation as the application help center winds down.
3:24:21
We'll be getting information to to them as so that they can refer clients to us.
Alexa Avilés
3:24:27
Will Moya be receiving all of the center's infrastructure?
Manuel Castro
3:24:33
No.
3:24:34
The application help center will be closing.
3:24:37
And we, as of now, don't plan to subsume any of those resources.
Alexa Avilés
3:24:44
So just for clarity's sake, I did an application through the help center.
3:24:50
I'm now living somewhere.
3:24:53
Helps the help center closes.
3:24:56
I'm supposed to know where to go to open or check on my application or to get further support because I'm calling the Moya helpline.
3:25:06
That's that's the understanding what the tens of thousands of cases will find their way to Moya.
Manuel Castro
3:25:12
They'll have our hotline available in existing services.
3:25:18
If they were to call the hotline, they'll know, you know, that not not the hotline, the application help center that it is no longer active.
3:25:29
And again, when they were provided with those services, the understanding was that it was on a pro se basis, not for ongoing legal support.