New York Legal Assistance Group

Cancel. Student. Debt.

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Your legacy guides us during these difficult times when racists and white supremacists are wreaking havoc in our country. We have not yet realized your dream, but we will keep fighting for equal justice.

Older adults and those with disabilities are the most vulnerable to financial scams. However, advance planning documents like a power of attorney can help them manage their finances and detect fraud. Explore more options to prevent and report scams: http://ow.ly/hCay50D8whJ

Are you still waiting to receive your stimulus payment? If the IRS does not have your direct deposit information, you will receive your check in the mail. To try to receive your stimulus check immediately, you may be able to provide your bank information to the IRS via a web portal. Learn more here: http://ow.ly/rq7R50D7rI1 For more information on if and how the $900B economic relief package affects you: http://ow.ly/tVUo50D7rI0

For more updates on resources, policy changes, and new court procedures during the pandemic, visit: https://www.nylag.org/covid19/

ICYMI: Evictions and all eviction cases are stayed for 60 days as of December 28, 2020 (until February 26, 2021). Receive more free information and resources to aid you and your loved ones to navigate the housing crisis: http://ow.ly/XKiD50D5aHm

Congrats to Blake Liggio for his courage to stand in his truth and on this well-deserved accomplishment! Representation matters. http://ow.ly/NVOt50C2CUK

We have multiple openings for supervising attorneys in our Tenants' Rights Unit! If you are an experienced attorney passionate about leading a legal team that defend tenants facing eviction, displacement, and homelessness, we want to hear from you! nylag.org/careers

We’re in a pandemic. I’ve personally had two clients die. This is mass trauma. We’re focusing on survivalno one should have to also deal with the stress of ‘Will I be evicted?’ There are so many other things people should be worried about. While we have various moratoria in place to stall eviction, it only kicks the can down the road and doesn’t address the issue. Nothing will get done unless there is rent relief. Whether that is in the form of mass vouchers or canceling rent can be debated, but some amount of the unpaid rent burden needs to be forgiven. To me, our government is kicking the can as far as possible to frame any future evictions as personal failures instead of a policy failure. -Miles Walser, NYLAG staff attorney

Fair and equal access to justice for those who need it most is our motto. We will not waver in that commitment no matter the outcome of this election. Our commitment to justice is unmovable and unwavering.

Q: How do I request family leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act? A: All employees must provide, at a minimum: requested dates, ... a statement explaining the need for leave, and information regarding the children’s school/daycare. Learn more about your rights in workplace if your child is remote learning: http://ow.ly/BFTi50C2DC2

Our staff are exercising their right to vote. #Proud. Have you voted?

Today is election day! If you have the privilege to vote in the 2020 primary elections, we encourage you to exercise your right to vote. If you have already voted, comment on this post with "."

As you vote, remember that you have rights. #ElectionDay

... The message is sent that those who stepped up to help American service members were left behind, forgotten, and to die..." The U.S. has long welcomed refugees who are fleeing persecution in their homelands. It is shameful that the Trump administration had decided to abandon not only vulnerable refugees in general but specifically Iraqi and Afghani translators who have served alongside American troops and put their lives at risk to help them. http://ow.ly/bBFs50C30LL

To demonize immigrants in this way is truly disgusting and heartbreaking. Then, to do so by politicizing someone’s pain and loss makes it worst. Finally, when you look at available statistics, it’s widely accepted that immigrants are less likely to be criminals than native-born Americans.

Last day to donate. Will you donate now to help us reach our goal?

Happy Halloween!

Less than two days left to reach our goal to raise funds for free legal services for domestic violence survivors. Can you rush your donation?

"My former client arrived on a visa with the expectation that her husband would file for her green card. Her husband never had any intent to file an immigration applicationone of his many tactics to control her and their children. While my client was pregnant, she was raped by her husband. His violence continued throughout the pregnancy, and even in the hospital while she was there recovering from birth. My client filed for a divorce and obtained custody of the children. Fea...rful for her safety, my client filed for an order of protection against her ex-husband. My client was forced to recount the details of being raped and beaten over the course of two yearsas trial dates were often scheduled weeks, or months apart for only short periods of time. I was shocked after the trial when the judge stated she didn’t believe my client. Why? The judge said as a fair-skinned person, if my client was truly beaten other people would have seen bruises and contacted the police. This didn’t consider my client's Muslim religion and that my client is always covered outside the home, with only her face visible. The way our courts assess credibility needs to change.- Hayat Bearat, Senior Staff Attorney #RethinkCredibility #DVAM nylag.org/rethinkcredibility