Public education is a priority as group prepares immigrants to seek new benefits and cautions against notary fraud
GOSHEN, INDIANA (November 24, 2014) — The newly formed Michiana Immigration Coalition (MIC) welcomes President Obama’s immigration administrative relief announcement, which expands access to protection from deportation for Michiana families, creates broader access to programs that minimize family separation during visa processing, and clarifies the enforcement priorities of this administration.
Comprised of nonprofit legal service providers, educational institutions, faith-based groups, private attorneys, and community organizers, MIC educates and empowers immigrants in the northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan region known as Michiana.
MIC is holding bilingual public information sessions to explain the new immigration administrative relief programs. A calendar of upcoming sessions is available here.
MIC members organizations are: Catholic Charities of South Bend and Fort Wayne, Center for Legal Justice, El Puente Newspaper, Goshen College, Indiana University South Bend, La Casa de Amistad of South Bend, LaCasa, Inc., Mennonite Central Committee, National Immigrant Justice Center, St. Adalbert Catholic Church, Durham Immigration Law, Merino Law Firm, Law Office of Rodolfo S. Monterrosa, Jr., and TK Immigration Law.
MIC members provided the following statements to announce the coalition:
Nanci Flores of La Casa de Amistad of South Bend: “It is critical that people know fact from fiction so they are not vulnerable to exploitation. MIC is a coordinated effort to make trustworthy information easily available.”
Lisa Koop of the National Immigrant Justice Center’s Goshen office: “Our aim is to quickly disseminate accurate information into the community so individuals who qualify for immigration benefits can prepare to apply and know where to go for legal services. Administrative relief will be life-changing for many Michiana families, but we must ensure they have the resources they need to determine whether any of the new programs are right for them.”
Gilberto Pérez Jr. of Goshen College: “By coordinating our efforts, we hope to maximize our resources and truly make a difference in the lives of families in Michiana.”
Jesusa Rivera of St. Adalbert Catholic Church: “The community has been waiting for this and we are ready to come together and respond.”
Karen Viveros of LaCasa, Inc.: “On the morning following the announcement, I had clients waiting for me in the parking lot who wanted to apply at that very moment. MIC members are prepared to respond to that enthusiasm.”
Saulo Padilla of Mennonite Central Committee: "In response to this executive action, our community needs to have access to accurate information and be well informed about the reliable services available in the Michiana region."