NEW YORK – On January 12, 2025, the Armenian Bar Association hosted a highly informative and impactful Immigration Awareness Day at St. Vartan Armenian Church, New York, bringing together community members and a panel of expert immigration attorneys. The event aimed to educate and empower individuals on critical immigration issues, providing valuable insights into topics such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), changes in administration, public benefits, deportation concerns, and more. To ensure accessibility, the event offered multilingual support in English, Armenian, Russian, Spanish, and Georgian, reflecting the diverse community in attendance.
The event featured several distinguished immigration attorneys who addressed urgent issues affecting immigrants today, including Hasmik Vardanyan, Yuliya Sadyhyan, Lucy Magardichian, Elena Denevich and Irina Hovhannisyan. Key discussions included the current state of DACA program, the implications of the President’s stance on it, and the potential impact of recent administrative changes on immigration policies and legal status. Attendees also learned about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanese nationals, receiving crucial updates on eligibility and program status. Additionally, the event provided guidance on immigrants’ rights and steps to take in the event of enforcement actions.
A standout feature of the day was the opportunity for one-on-one consultations, where attendees could seek personalized guidance on their specific immigration situations. The services were provided pro bono to the community. Immigration Awareness Day proved to be a valuable resource for the community, equipping participants with expert advice and practical knowledge on complex immigration matters. Attendees left the event better informed about their rights and the potential challenges they may face, including how to respond to immigration enforcement.
The event was a resounding success, offering a vital platform for education, community engagement, and empowerment on immigration issues. “With its multilingual presentations and personalized consultations, it not only provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the current immigration landscape but also gave them the tools to protect themselves and their families,” said Irina Hovhannisyan, Armenian Bar Association Chapter Member and Immigration Law expert. As immigration policies continue to evolve, events like this are essential for ensuring individuals and families stay informed and prepared for whatever challenges may arise. Contact the Armenian Bar Association Pro Bono Clinic at [email protected] or 818-660-6898.
1 comment
Having expert attorneys on hand to explain things like DACA, TPS, public benefits, and deportation issues must have been such a relief for many.
One thing that stood out was how inclusive the event was—multilingual support in English, Armenian, Russian, Spanish, and Georgian. That’s not just thoughtful; it’s essential. Too often information gets lost when language barriers are ignored.
The pro bono one-on-one consultations are what impressed me the most. Getting personalized legal advice without cost is rare and so valuable. It makes the law feel more accessible, less intimidating. Also, seeing which attorneys were involved—Hasmik Vardanyan, Yuliya Sadyhyan, Lucy Magardichian, Elena Denevich, and Irina Hovhannisyan—gives real credibility to the event.
Events like this do more than just share information; they empower people. Learning about how changes in administration might influence one’s status, understanding rights if facing enforcement actions, hearing updates on TPS eligibility—all of that helps someone feel less in the dark.