The Legal Alliance of Pheonjong (LAP) is a nonprofit organization that provides legal and translation services to those seeking asylum in the U.S. for free or at minimal cost. Escaping the scene of war, organized persecution or government oppression is only a first step in a long journey. Refugees often arrive destitute, without even a basic understanding of American culture and institutions. The Legal Alliance of Pheonjong seeks to help refugees in the often lonely struggle to make a life in a strange new land.
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We seek to help refugees and asylum seekers in three ways: We assist in finding legal representation and provide guidance… We provide legal aid for issues unrelated to asylum… We work to connect asylum seekers with services, agencies, and other resources…
The LAP
New world, new problems
Additional legal problems
Asylum-seekers often face legal problems that have nothing to do with applying for refugee status, but everything to do with making their new lives a success. Ignorance of local laws and their own rights in the U.S. often open up new arrivals to exploitation and harassment. We can provide refugees assistance in this area as well.
Labor disputes
Arbitrary reduction in wages or outright failure to pay wages, unjustified firing, and sexual harrassment in the workplace are typical conflicts that refugees face as they set about making a living in the tri-state area. We help refugees successfully resolve these conflicts through informal mediation and legal action.
Landlord-tenant disputes
New arrivals to this country frequently find themselves renting from other immigrants who may not be aware of the laws governing landlord-tenant relations. For example, one landlord attempted to evict a client for displaying a Buddha image in her apartment. The dispute resolved when one of our founders informed both tenant and landlord of laws protecting tenants and basic human rights.
Civil courts
The personal lives of refugees and asylum seekers can be as complicated and confused as anyone else’s. New arrivals may find themselves going through marriage or divorce or having to work out disputes in small claims court. The legal and bureaucratic processes involved are often just as bewildering and difficult as those necessary for gaining legal immigrant status. Again, we can help smooth out these disputes by providing translation services and a healthy dose of common sense.
