TOOLS
Here are tools and resources for learning about some of the programs open to immigrants, such as help with passing the Citizenship Test, and Pocket DACA, an app to help young immigrants apply for Deferred Action.
Notifica
Created in collaboration with United We Dream and digital agency Huge, Notifica lets undocumented people load in messages to family, friends, immigration lawyers, local advocacy groups and whomever else they want to inform ahead of time. If the user is approached or believes they will be detained by ICE, they can press a Panic Button in the app and the messages will all be sent.
Know Your Rights
Here is a short flyer with your rights if you encounter ICE. The flyer is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Traditional Mandarin, and Simplified Mandarin.
Pocket DACA
Pocket DACA is a smartphone app that helps young immigrants self-screen for Deferred Action eligibility, and helps users locate a nearby immigration legal services provider.
MiConsulMex
The government of Mexico has now launched a free smartphone app called MiConsulMex. Among an array of services, this application will allow users to find the nearest consulate and schedule an appointment in the MEXITEL online service. It also contains current information about the immigration reform debate and DACA. This flyer, which is in Spanish, has more info.
Can You Pass the Citizenship Test?
An op-ed in the July 5 issue of Newsday challenged American citizens to take the U. S. civics and history exam that immigrants must pass to become naturalized citizens. You can take this test online —it is quick, fun, and humbling. It takes 12 correct answers to pass, and 97% of those applying for citizenship make the grade but most native-born American students fail.
Help for Immigrant Workers
The State Department of Labor has a host of free programs designed to help immigrants break into the workforce. The New York State Department of Labor is addressing the language/employment barrier with a new program designed to help immigrants navigate the working world and learn English as well. Immigrant workforce counselors are set up at the State Labor Department’s one-stop centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Flushing, Patchogue, Yonkers, Buffalo, Syracuse and Utica and they can provide assistance in a wide variety of languages. They also refer clients to English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. All of the Immigrant Workforce Project programs are free. For more information, visit http://www.labor.ny.gov