The major goal of the Community Education (CE) program is to prevent legal crisis through awareness. Many members of the Asian/Pacific Islander communities are recent immigrants and refugees with limited English speaking abilities and are unfamiliar with the United States social and legal systems. Through the CE Program of educational presentations and pamphlets, members of the community gain a working knowledge of their legal rights and responsibilities.
Asian Law Alliance Community Education presentations include the following topics:
1. Housing
How can I get my security deposit returned to me after I move out of my apartment? What are the differences between a lease and month-to-month agreement? As a tenant, what are my responsibilities for repairs needed in my apartment? What is unlawful discrimination?
2. Public Benefits
If my public benefits are being terminated, what are my appeal rights? I am not an U.S. citizen, can I be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? If I receive SSI, will this affect my application for U.S. Citizenship? If I am not a U.S. citizen, am I eligible for any cash or medical benefits? If I am a refugee or an asylee, am I eligible for any benefits from the government?
3. Employment
What is the current minimum wage in California? What are the overtime rules? Where can I go for help if my employer does not pay me the minimum wage?
4. Immigration Law
How do I petition for a relative? How can I get a green card? What are the requirements for citizenship? Are there special citizenship rules for people with disabilities? May I take the citizenship test in my native language? Am I still eligible for citizenship even if I have a criminal record?
5. Domestic Violence
If my spouse has abused me, will a court order my spouse to leave the house? How quickly can a judge issue a temporary restraining order? If I do not have immigration status, but my spouse is abusing me, do I have any rights to stay in the U.S.?
Community Education presentations are available to the community. For more information contact Asian Law Alliance at (408) 287-9710