What is FALDEF

Is a national organization that provides pro bono legal services to members of the Filipino American community who are suffering legal injustices by reason of their immigrant origins and status and unable to engage legal aid and assistance on account of poverty. Is dedicated to providing a forum for education, advocacy, and scholarships aimed at educating and advancing the interests of the Filipino American community on issues and matters pertinent to immigrant and civil rights.

How We Started: FALDEF in perspective

Filipinos in Diaspora Manpower: Philippines greatest contribution to the world economy: Consequently, problems ensue: Labor Trafficking and Illegal Recruitment Immigration Problems: Fraud, Overstays, Deportation, and Detention Big undocumented population due to a broken Immigration System There is NO single legal defense fund committed to the handling of any and all cases relative to the injustice resulting from a broken Immigration System. Hence, the creation of the ONLY first Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund in October 2009. FALDEF was envisioned as a law firm: Lawyers are covered by malpractice insurance and members are covered by liability insurance.

FALDEF with NAACP Legal Defense Fund Pres. John Payton

WHAT WE DO.
Providing gratuitous legal assistance to indigent Filipino American nationals who are in deportation proceedings and/or are being held in detention for violation of immigration laws. Providing information on immigrant and civil rights, issues related to voting and other forms of civic and political participation. Monitoring legislation, providing advocacy, and building coalitions with related organizations. Hosting speakers, debates and conferences on current immigration issues and issues related to voting and other forms of civic and political participation. Assisting and supporting the creation and passage of laws that promote welfare of all immigrants in general and, of the Filipino American community in particular. Conducting educational events such as information tables and video screenings on pertinent issues affecting the Filipino American community Assisting other Filipino American organizations in educating their members on immigrant and civic issues.

PROGRAMS/SERVICES
Advocacy (legislation, issues) Pro Bono Legal Services Voter Education Citizenship Education Immigrant Rights Free Legal Clinics Community Outreach

ADVOCACY (Legislation, Issues)

Comprehensive Immigration Reform DREAM Act Immigrant Rights SAVE Our Industries Act

FALDEF with Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) and ConGen Mario De Leon.

FALDEF Directors JT. Mallonga and Merit Salud with New York Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) and ConGen Mario De Leon. New York Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) reaffirmed his solid support to two major causes being pushed today by the Filipino-American communities across the United States the passage of the SAVE Our Industries Act and the DREAM Act.

FALDEF MOU with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas

PRO-BONO LEGAL SERVICES

Tonogs from Toms River, NJ. Deportation Deferred: Hardship due to severe medical condition.

DREAMer John Quidilla of Dallas, Texas

VOTER EDUCATION

Voter Protection Campaign with AALDEF (Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund).

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

FALDEF with Jen Furer, Author of Out of Status at the PCGNY, May 2012

FALDEF at St. Francis of Assisi Parish San Damazo Hall, NYC, July 2012

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Know Your Rights Seminar with Philippine Consul General of New York 2011

IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

FREE LEGAL CLINICS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

UGNAYAN sa FALDEF

TYPES OF CASES HANDLED

Immigration (Deportation & Detention) Labor Trafficking/Illegal Recruitment VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Labor/Employment Death Penalty (Texas) DREAMers

Illegal Recruitment Labor Trafficking

40 Seasonal Workers recruited in the Philippines, all resided in a 3BR house.

FALDEF provided HOPE.

LABOR EMPLOYMENT

VAWA
(Violence Against Women Act)

800 Filipino Teachers in Maryland Labor Case: Loss of Immigration Status and Loss of Employment.

CASES
Texas: Death Row case Nevada: Korean under deportation Jamaican in Detention Center representation requested by NJ Sen. Melendez Immigration: Citizen Assistance for Disabled Applicant.

SUCCESS STORIES Defend Serve Educate

Stopped Deportation Secured Deferred Action Status

Dr. and Mrs. Servano at the Philippine Consulate.

Dr. Servano at Radio Pinoy rallying the community for support.

DREAMers
24 year-old from Plano, Texas deportation was stopped by FALDEF. RELEASED from Detention Center!

photo credit: Filipino Reporter

DREAMer John Quidilla of Texas with the support of his community.

Immigration: Deportation & Detention

NJ Couples (the Tonogs) deportation was stopped.

Expired work visas. Renewal Application Denied. Deportation Deferred due to hardship (medical condition).

The Gulfin Family

Released from Elizabeth Detention Center after being detained for 7 months. Deportation postponed. DREAMer eligible for the June 2012 Deferred Action Directive.

photo credit: Filipino Reporter

DREAMer

1st Meeting April 2011

photo credit: NY Times

Pulitzer Prize Winner and undocumented alien, Jose Antonio Vargas.

Represented by FALDEF.
Photo credit: Time Magazine

Why We Need Your Help

OUR mission is YOUR mission

SUPPORT EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE

FALDEF is a 501 (c) non-profit organization. Your gift is highly appreciated as a charitable donation and is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.