Cherry Americas: Unlocking the Potential of Access to Justice for Immigrants

Introduction

Cherry Americas is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to justice for immigrants in the United States. For over 25 years, Cherry Americas has been empowering immigrants and their families by providing legal services, advocacy, and education. This article will explore the critical role that Cherry Americas plays in the lives of immigrants and highlight the transformative impact of its work.

Cherry Americas: A Lifeline for Immigrants

First, Cherry Americas provides comprehensive legal services to immigrants facing various legal challenges. These services include legal representation in immigration court, family law, and criminal defense matters. In 2021 alone, Cherry Americas represented over 12,000 individuals in immigration court, helping them navigate the complex legal system and protect their immigration status.

Second, Cherry Americas engages in advocacy work to promote policies that support the rights of immigrants. The organization works closely with policymakers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies that create a more just and equitable immigration system. For example, Cherry Americas played a key role in the passage of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided protection from deportation and work permits to hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.

Third, Cherry Americas offers educational programs to empower immigrants with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the legal system. These programs include workshops on immigration law, citizenship preparation classes, and community outreach events.

Why Access to Justice for Immigrants Matters

1. Protecting Human Rights

Immigrants are entitled to the same fundamental rights as any other person in the United States, including the right to due process, equal protection under the law, and access to justice. Denying immigrants access to justice undermines these rights and creates a system that is unfair and discriminatory.

2. Strengthening Communities

When immigrants have access to justice, they can fully participate in society and contribute to their communities. They can start businesses, buy homes, and raise families without fear of deportation. Access to justice helps immigrants build stable and thriving lives, which benefits everyone in their communities.

3. Economic Benefits

Immigrants are essential to the U.S. economy. They fill labor shortages, contribute to innovation, and start businesses that create jobs. When immigrants have access to justice, they can maximize their economic potential and contribute to the overall prosperity of the United States.

The Benefits of Cherry Americas

Cherry Americas provides numerous benefits to immigrants and their families:

• Reduced Deportation Risk:** Cherry Americas' legal services help immigrants avoid deportation and maintain their lawful status in the United States.
• Improved Living Conditions: Access to justice can help immigrants improve their living conditions by providing them with access to health care, education, and other essential services.
• Increased Economic Opportunities: Cherry Americas' advocacy work has led to policies that expand economic opportunities for immigrants, such as access to work permits and driver's licenses.
• Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency: Cherry Americas' educational programs empower immigrants with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the legal system and become self-sufficient.

How to Support Cherry Americas

There are several ways to support Cherry Americas' vital work:

• Donate:** Financial contributions are essential to sustaining Cherry Americas' programs and services.
• Volunteer:** Cherry Americas relies on volunteers to provide legal assistance, conduct educational workshops, and advocate for immigrant rights.
• Spread the Word:** Share information about Cherry Americas with your friends, family, and community members.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Cherry Americas' mission?

Cherry Americas' mission is to provide access to justice for immigrants in the United States by providing legal services, advocacy, and education.

2. Who does Cherry Americas serve?

Cherry Americas serves immigrants from all over the world, regardless of their immigration status. The organization provides legal services to individuals and families facing immigration court proceedings, family law issues, and criminal charges.

3. What are the costs of Cherry Americas' services?

Cherry Americas offers a sliding scale fee structure based on income. The organization also provides pro bono representation to individuals who cannot afford to pay for legal services.

4. How can I get help from Cherry Americas?

To get help from Cherry Americas, you can call their intake line at (212) 337-1127 or visit their website at www.cherryamericas.org.

5. How can I support Cherry Americas?

You can support Cherry Americas by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about their work.

6. What is the impact of Cherry Americas' work?

Cherry Americas has a transformative impact on the lives of immigrants and their families. The organization's legal services help immigrants avoid deportation, improve their living conditions, and increase their economic opportunities.

Call to Action

Access to justice for immigrants is a fundamental human right that must be protected. Cherry Americas is on the front lines of the fight for immigrant rights, providing vital services and advocacy that make a real difference in the lives of immigrants and their families.

If you believe in the power of justice and equality, we urge you to support Cherry Americas. Your donation, volunteerism, or advocacy can help ensure that every immigrant has access to the justice they deserve. Join us in building a more just and equitable society for all.

Tables

Table 1: Cherry Americas' Services

Table 2: Economic Benefits of Cherry Americas' Work

Table 3: Impact of Cherry Americas' Advocacy