Baldwin hosts its first immigration clinic
Staff attorney Ellie Levine trains volunteers in preparation for the clinic
Today was the first immigration legal clinic at Baldwin. This monthly clinic sponsored by Justice for our Neighbors- Southeast Michigan (JFON-SEMI) will help immigrants work through legal issues regarding their immigration stays.
The (JFON) program was initiated by the General Board of Global Ministries in 1999 has served thousands of immigrants throughout the United States. The United Methodist Community on Relief (UMCOR) sponsors the program with 24 clinic sites operating nationwide. JFON Southeastern Michigan was formed in 2009 with a site hosted at Dearborn First United Methodist Church it’s second is at Baldwin.
JFON was created as a response to the increasingly complex immigration regulations stemming from the Immigration Reform and Immigration Act of 1996. September 11th and the Patriot Act has exacerbated the situation, causing backlogs on new and existing applications and an increase in deportation orders.
The JFON network effectively provides outreach to the community as well as a strong forum for advocacy.
JFON’s clients are served by a professional immigration attorney who remains with their case until relief is granted or all avenues are exhausted.
The volunteers who work in the clinics hear the real life stories and see the moral issues of immigration in a much clearer light.
To make an appointment call 734.709.1151. For more information contact jfon@jfonsemi.org or visit www.jfonsemi.org
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