AASRA and IAFPE, two local non- profit groups organized jointly for the second consecutive year, a One on One Free Immigration clinic for the benefit of the Indian American community in New England. Four local immigration lawyers, Prashant Desai, Clark Siddiqui, Peter Allen and Amita Vasudeva volunteered their services. People had the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to immigration, ranging from status of H1 Visas, Health Care, citizenship, green card and changes in the new laws and how it will affect certain visas. More than 30 people registered for the event and many turned up on that day to avail this opportunity. Each attendee was given 15 to 20 minutes with the lawyer and the atmosphere was informal and flexible.

 Archana Singhal, AASRA’s Board member said that this clinic was so popular last year the two groups decided to team up again and provide this valuable service  to the community. She was also appreciative of the fact that the attorneys had offered to give their time and expertise graciously.

Participants came for some preliminary advice and got a great response. Rahim Ali, who had a question on immigration for himself and his sister, was very appreciative of the advice given to him. Many shared the view that when you went to an immigration attorney for a 20 min interview, you are charged anywhere from $100 to $150. This is expensive when one seeks advice on general questions. But the free clinic was exactly what the community needed.

 
The organizations also circulated a feedback form and many thought that it was a wonderful opportunity. They also hoped that such clinics would be held in different locations so that lot of people would benefit. Some responses were

  It is a great service offered to the community. I feel more people

should be aware of the immigration clinic. I don’t see many people taking advantage of the services being offered.'

 
 It was very helpful and this clinic was excellent for us. I got

satisfactory answer to my question.'

 
I would like more programs like this. I was very satisfied.

Volunteers Anu Subramanian, Nalini Goyal, Vanita Shastri were there on the 
occasion. Ravi Sakhuja, President of IAFPE thanked the attorneys and presented a letter of appreciation.

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