For the health and well-being of Chhaya staff and community members, our locations in Jackson Heights and Richmond Hill are open on an appointment-only basis. Our counselors continue to offer services remotely. Learn More

Immigration

Know Your Rights

We recognize the important contribution immigrants make to our economy, as well as to the cultural and social vitality of our city.

Low-income immigrants are an especially vulnerable group who are often denied basic rights due to lack of language accessible services or knowledge of the system.

We’ve helped over 250 immigrants through the citizenship process, reuniting families and providing them with a path towards greater stability.

In addition to immigration legal services, we create opportunities for economic mobility and social integration such as the Pragati workforce program, which now employs six women graduates who are gaining on-the-job work experience.

Chhaya’s immigrant services include:

ESOL classes are offered at the beginning and intermediate levels at both Chhaya locations to equip community members with the language skills to fully express their voices and views.
Pragati is a workforce program that empowers South Asian and Indo-Caribbean cis-women, trans-women, and non-binary individuals who are looking to enter the workforce, or looking to change jobs and pursue new opportunities. This program provides participants with the skills they need to be IRS-certified tax preparers and a path towards employment with Chhaya.
Safe, Free, Legal Assistance through our participation in the Action NYC network, every immigrant New Yorker has access to legal counseling through an immigration attorney. This includes:
- Free legal screenings to find out if you qualify for any immigration benefit
- Free legal help from an experienced attorney or accredited representative for cases including: citizenship, Green Card applications and renewals, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Speak with an Immigration Navigator

Contact Mahrin Afsari at mahrin@chhayacdc.org
or Aeshah Farrouq at aeshah@chhayacdc.org

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Main Office:
37-43 77th St, 2nd Floor, Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Contact: 718.478.3848; info@chhayacdc.org

Richmond Hill Center:
121-18 Liberty Avenue, 2nd Floor, Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Contact: 718.374.3371; info@chhayacdc.org