PH Embassy expands legal aid services to Filipinos in US amid ICE raids
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) President Licelle Cobrador sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Embassy and FALDEF at a ceremony held on June 13. Photo from the Philippine Embassy
WASHINGTON – As Homeland Security pledged to carry on with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown despite waves of unrest across the nation, the Philippine Embassy expanded its legal assistance services for Filipino migrants.
On Friday, Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) that will expand available legal services to Filipinos in the United States.
The MOU was signed as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the immigration raids that fueled the protests in Los Angeles would move forward and agents have thousands of targets.
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FALDEF is an organization of lawyers that provides pro bono legal assistance to Filipinos on matters related to immigration, labor trafficking and violence against women.
The organization helps the Filipino migrant community “promote their rights and secure full access to justice,” according to the FALDEF website.
FALDEF President Licelle Cobrador signed the MOU on behalf of the organization.
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez joins Embassy and FALDEF officials after the signing ceremony held on June 13. Photo from the Philippine Embassy
The MOU resulted from Romualdez’ discussion with FALDEF officials in January this year on how the organization can help the Filipino community navigate complex legal services and resources, according to the Embassy.
Through the MOU, Filipinos in the US will have greater access to Know Your Rights seminars, free virtual and in-person legal clinics and community education seminars.
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Romualdez thanked FALDEF officials for doing their part to support the Filipino community, especially undocumented immigrants.
He said the MOU is one of the many ways the Embassy and the Filipino community can work together to help the most vulnerable population.
“The Embassy’s doors remain open to all Filipinos, most especially to those who need assistance,” said Ambassador Romualdez. “I call on all Filipino community organizations who have been advocating for the rights of our overseas Filipinos to partner with the Embassy so we can support them in productive and meaningful ways.”
More information about FALDEF can be found here.
