April Immigrant Affairs Update
THIS MONTH'S SPOTLIGHT:
AUSTIN SANCTUARY NETWORK
The Austin Sanctuary Network is a multi-faith coalition of congregations in and around Austin that have been called to join the larger immigrant rights struggle. Together with those at risk of deportation and their families and allies, they are seeking justice and dignity by opening their doors to provide sanctuary as a tool to achieve those goals. 
 
Yesterday, the ASN announced that Hilda and Alirio, who spent years in sanctuary, were granted a one-year stay of deportation, and with it the ability to be able to return to a more "normal" life. As they continue to fight for a more permanent solution, they will be able to rejoin the friends and loved ones they were separated from. The ASN will continue to fight for relief for Ivan, another community member in sanctuary who was not granted a stay.
 
You can view the press conference and Q&A regarding this announcement on the Facebook page for the Austin Sanctuary Network. Learn more about the ASN and how to get involved here.
LOCAL UPDATES
Support Available for Citizenship Applications
 
Casa Marianella received a grant from the City of Austin to help residents of Austin and Travis County apply for citizenship.
 
If you are eligible and if you live in Austin or Travis County, it's possible Casa Marianella will be able to help you with the application process.
 
To discuss your eligibility for citizenship, email Sarah Woelk at swoelk@casamarianella.org or call 512-385-5571.
Support Available for DACA and TPS
 

American Gateways is offering:

 

  • Free legal clinics for DACA initial and DACA renewal applications
  • Assistance filing Temporary Protected Status - Venezuela & Burma (Myanmar)
  • Renewal for filing Temporary Protected Status - Syria

 

For services please contact American Gateways at 512-478-0546 x200, Monday-Thursday, from 9AM-12PM

Naturalization Ceremonies Resume
 
We are thrilled to announce that after a pause because of COVID, the City of Austin is preparing to host naturalization ceremonies once again. Austin Public Library, Austin Public Health, and USCIS have been working diligently to plan naturalization ceremonies that are COVID-safe and will take place outdoors at one of our library branches. In the midst of a lot of heavy news, this is something uplifting that we are all looking forward to. Stay tuned for photos and a recap from these ceremonies!
STATE & NATIONAL UPDATES
  • Drive Texas Adelante has launched a campaign to create access to a conditional driver's permit for Texas residents
  • VECINA launches Family Reunification Project - volunteer roles available include Pro Bono Attorneys, Administrative Support, and Interpreter Assistance
  • The American Dream and Promise Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and TPS/DED recipients, passed with bipartisan support in the House of Representatives on Thursday, March 18th. It is now in the Senate for their consideration.
  • The United States Citizenship Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, including an expedited path for TPS holders, is expected to proceed to mark-up in mid to late April. This bill would also increase funding for technology for border enforcement and control.
  • The SECURE Act, which creates a pathway to citizenship for TPS holders was introduced on February 8th.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS
Thursday, April 15th @ 5:30pm CST
Bystander Intervention Training
 

The training will utilize an approach called the 5 D’s (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct) as ways for individuals to support those harassed and intervene as best as they feel comfortable. This event is being hosted by the South Asian Bar Association Foundation. Register here.

jueves, 15 de abril a las 5pm CST
Charlas sobre inmigración (COVID-19)
 
Únete a una conversación en vivo sobre la importancia del acceso a las vacunas del virus COVID 19 para la comunidad inmigrante. Hablaremos de lo que debes saber, cómo encontrar una vacuna, cómo buscar ayuda con organizaciones comunitarias, tanto como preguntas frecuentes que nuestros panelistas escuchan en sus comunidades. Sintonice la conversación aquí.
Friday, April 16th @ 10:30am CST
Immigrant Services Network of Austin (ISNA) Regular Meeting
 
Sign up for ISNA membership here in order to receive access to the Zoom meeting information. ISNA is a working group of diverse community stakeholders and immigrant service providers operating together to coordinate efforts, increase public awareness, and inform policy, in order to better serve the immigrant community.
 
Wednesday, April 21st @ 6pm CST
The Lit Club presents a Conversation with Roya Hakakian
 
The Lit Club by NAE is incredibly excited to present our inaugural event with author Roya Hakakian, the author of A Beginner's Guide to America. We are also honored to have this conversation moderated by Phuc Tran, the author of the critically acclaimed debut memoir Sigh, Gone, released in 2020. The conversation will focus on A Beginner's Guide to America, Hakakian's personal story, and conversations on the immigrant experience in America today. Register here for the conversation.
Thursday, April 22nd @ 2pm CST
Advancing Universal Representation for Immigrant Communities
 
This event will feature a conversation with leaders in government, legal services, and advocacy to discuss best practices on how to design and implement universal representation programs at the local and state level that ensure zealous representation for all. Register here.
Friday, April 23rd @ 10am CST
Facebook Live: Austin Public Health 
 
Tune in for accurate and updated COVID-19-related information centered around API/AAPI communities, and that's also relevant for the greater Austin community. The live broadcasts offer simultaneous interpretation in Burmese, Mandarin & Vietnamese by calling the phone numbers on the flyer. Tune in to My API Live here.
Saturday, May 1st @ 11am CST
CelebrASIA
 
The Asian American Resource Center is hosting its annual signature event, CelebrASIA, in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. This year's theme is Uniting Cultures to celebrate and honor our diverse and multifaceted APA identities, histories & cultures. Tune in here!
May 5 - May 6
Welcoming America Network presents the Welcoming Interactive
 

Join over 400 leaders who are building inclusive and prosperous communities by ensuring everyone belongs. From May 5-6, we are going virtual, with all sessions webcast over Zoom. This virtual event is free and open the public. Register here.

Ongoing trainings throughout May 2021
Bystander Intervention Trainings
 
One way we can take action to protect our communities is to learn ways to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising safety. Hollaback!Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC are partnering for a virtual workshop on bystander intervention. Register for a training here.
SAVE THE DATE
October 3-8 in Las Vegas, NV
National Immigrant Integration Conference
 
NIIC is the largest conference on immigration in the U.S. and plays a central role in the powerful, diverse and broad immigrant and refugee rights and integration field. At the NIIC, the many different spokes of this field gather to develop relationships, build campaigns, amplify shared values, be inspired, build relationships, and share ideas, strategies, lessons learned and new information and innovations. Registration opens soon!
 
 
2021 AUSTIN WINTER STORM URI RECOVERY RESOURCES
Learn more and apply here / Aprende más y aplica aquí:
http://www.austintexas.gov/HomeRepairs
Learn more here / Aprende más aquí:
https://www.trla.org/disaster
COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Learn more and apply here / Aprende más y aplica aquí:
http://www.austintexas.gov/rent

Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine

 

All adults are currently eligible to be vaccinated and can register through Austin Public Health. Pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine here.

Vaccine Access: Free Rides from Capital Metro to Your Vaccine Appointment
 
Capital Metro is offering free curb-to-curb service for people with COVID-19 vaccination appointments. *you must request the ride at least 1 day in advance
 
Call 512-369-6050
Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Weekends: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard
 
To increase transparency, Austin Public Health has released a new Vaccine Distribution Dashboard that updates weekly + breaks the data down by age, zip code, sex, and race/ethnicity.
 
📱View for mobile: bit.ly/3a12bP7
 
💻 View for Desktop: bit.ly/3rzfFrq
 
📌More info: bit.ly/3a0lSXb
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