Orlando, FL - The American Immigration Lawyers Association's ( AILA ) Central and South Florida Chapters has partnered with Immigration Equality to launch "Immigrant Action Orlando," a collaboration between pro bono immigration law practitioners in Florida and Immigration Equality, the nation's leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization.
In the days following the shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, survivors and relatives of victims of the hate crime have come forward asking for immigration help. In order to meet the needs of the community, Immigration Equality will open its national hotline to all survivors of the Orlando tragedy. Any immigrant in need of legal help can call 212-714-2904 or email orlando@immigrationequality.org . After screening for possible immigration relief and other legal needs, Immigration Equality will connect survivors and family members with local attorneys through AILA's Central and South Florida chapters, in addition to other volunteer lawyers offering pro bono services from around the country.
Stan Walker, Executive Vice-Chair of the Central Florida Chapter of AILA stated, "like many others, I woke up to the horrors of what happened in Orlando and wondered what I could do to help. I sent out an announcement to our chapter for volunteers and the response was overwhelming.Together with Immigration Equality, we will work to ensure that victims and their families are protected and have the pro bono legal services they need at their immediate disposal."
"The tragedy in Orlando has shaken us all to the core. As the national organization at the intersection of LGBTQ rights and immigration law, we are best situated to help survivors and family members from Orlando and are ready to help," said Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality.
Immigrant Action Orlando will work to reach survivors in Orlando through local activists, social media, and local media outlets. In addition, scripts are available for radio and TV programs willing to make public service announcements about the program. For more information, please contact Jackie Yodashkin at jyodashkin@immigrationequality.org or 917-620-4502.
Anyone affected by the Orlando tragedy in need of legal assistance is encouraged to contact Immigrant Action Orlando for free immigration assistance. Contact information for Immigration Action Orlando:
Phone: 212-714-2904
Email: orlando@immigrationequality.org
Website for more information: immigrationequality.org/orlando .