FALDEF Connects Immigrant Families with Critical Legal Resources

The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) recently hosted a free community immigration forum in Woodside, Queens, drawing Filipino and other immigrant residents seeking reliable guidance on their rights and legal options under U.S. immigration law.

Held in partnership with the Coalition of Asian American Children and Families, the forum aimed to provide practical, accessible information for individuals navigating complex immigration processes. Organizers emphasized that accurate legal knowledge can make a critical difference for families facing uncertainty.

Focus on Due Process and Legal Pathways

The forum centered on three key areas:

• Due process and the rights of undocumented immigrants

• Employment-based visa options

• Legal strategies for individuals facing removal or deportation proceedings

  
  

Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions directly to immigration attorneys in an open, community-centered setting. Many participants raised concerns about ICE enforcement, visa backlogs, and how to respond if placed in removal proceedings.

Experienced Legal Panel

The legal panel featured three New York-based immigration lawyers:

Pamela Carranza represents a wide spectrum of immigrants, including those in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and individuals seeking relief in immigration courts across several states. She has handled complex cases involving allegations of alien smuggling, crimes involving moral turpitude, marriage fraud, and identity-related issues.

Catlea Bobis, admitted to practice law in both New York and the Philippines, is managing partner at Kala & Bobis Law P.C.. She focuses on business immigration and has successfully handled immigrant and nonimmigrant visa petitions for individuals and major corporate clients, including Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies in sectors such as finance, information technology, academic research, cybersecurity, sports, real estate, hospitality, and fashion. Bobis also volunteers her legal services with the Migrant Center of New York.

Altin Nonaj, founder and managing attorney of Nonaj Law, concentrates on mergers and acquisitions, business immigration, removal defense, commercial real estate, and litigation. He assists international businesses seeking to establish or expand in the U.S., while also representing individuals in deportation proceedings and crafting tailored court strategies and relief options.

Strengthening Community Access to Legal Resources

The event was also supported by media partners, including the Filipino American Press Club of New York, OSM Online Magazine, The Filipino Reporters, and Women & Media.

Community leaders noted that forums like this help bridge the gap between immigrants and the legal resources they need. By offering free, direct access to attorneys, organizers hope to encourage individuals with immigration concerns to seek timely, informed advice rather than confronting legal challenges alone.