Veena Iyer · [email protected]

April 8, 2024 at 6:30 PM

April News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

April 2024Dear Friends,  “This is us,” Judge Jerry Blackwell said as he looked out into the crowd of over 400 new U.S. citizens from over 70 countries at a March naturalization ceremony. I was privileged to be at this ceremony to celebrate one of those new citizens, felt privileged to know and ev…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

March 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Celebrating Women's Stories: Uplifting Immigrant Women on International Women's Day

Honored to bear witness to and spotlight these incredible stories DONATE Dear John,  Today is International Women’s Day and we at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) are honored to bear witness to and spotlight the incredible stories of immigrant women.  Did you know?  There are over 2…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

February 8, 2024 at 9:01 PM

February News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

February 2023Dear Friends and Supporters of ILCM, It’s an honor and a privilege to write this letter to you in my capacity as ILCM’s new Policy Director. Having previously worked for ILCM as an attorney, I am both humbled and excited by the opportunity to continue growing ILCM’s work in the policy…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

December 31, 2023 at 1:45 PM

Last day to make your 2023 tax-deductible donation!

Donate Today  Dear John,  Today is the last day to make your 2023 tax-deductible donation to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM)!   Your investment in ILCM is an investment in our communities, our economy, and in the thousands of essential, hopeful, patient, and resilient immigrants and …

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

December 28, 2023 at 2:30 PM

Ending the year with a mission moment

Donate Today  Dear John,  Here at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) we’re wrapping up the year celebrating a few wins as intakes have increased and we’ve been working to close immigration cases faster, with great outcomes for clients!  I’m thrilled to report this year we’ve closed 1,60…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

December 23, 2023 at 2:00 PM

When our clients celebrate, we celebrate.

Make New Beginnings Possible Dear John,  When our clients celebrate, we celebrate. They are our family members, neighbors, and friends. By helping immigrants obtain legal status through free, comprehensive immigration services, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) helps unlock pathways fo…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

December 5, 2023 at 4:30 PM

December News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

December 2023Dear Friends,  As we continue our mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of immigrants and refugees, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions that immigrants bring to every aspect of our lives, including the realm of art.   Recently, the Immigr…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

November 29, 2023 at 8:22 PM

Asylum Under Attack: Call Congress Now!

Dear John,  Right now, U.S. asylum and humanitarian parole programs are at grave risk of being traded away in negotiations over supplemental funding. Proposals that seek to restrict asylum and humanitarian parole will create more border chaos, not less. And blocking vulnerable immigrants from se…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 16, 2023 at 11:00 PM

A Vikings love story and the complexities of our immigration system

Hi John,  It's not every day the Vikings and the complexities of immigration system end up in the same news story. But today, the Star Tribune shared a heartwarming, storybook ending of Vikings safety, Camryn Bynum and his wife Lalaine. I was lucky enough to share my family's story in the article…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM

Looking for a way to help immigrants and refugees in MN?

Hi John,  Yesterday I shared an inspiring story about one of our clients, Maynor, becoming a U.S. citizen in September. And while citizenship is the ultimate protection and goal for our clients, it only encompasses part of our work. Every day, we also celebrate: Those who now have permission to w…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 16, 2023 at 1:53 PM

Matching gift funds available now!

 Hi John, It’s officially Give to the Max Day and we have exciting news to share: your gift today can make twice the impact!  A group of anonymous donors have come together to offer $26,500 in matching gift funds – for today only. Donate now and double your gift!  As a supporter of the Immigrant…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 15, 2023 at 7:09 PM

Full, healthy, and happy lives

Please join us tomorrow for Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s biggest giving day.  By supporting the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota this Give to the Max Day, you’ll be helping provide immigrants and refugees in Minnesota the legal support and education they need to help them achieve their dreams…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 13, 2023 at 6:22 PM

The NYT warns of raids and deportations. We dream of pathways to citizenship. Support new Americans come what may.

Dear John,  We are spending the last quarter of 2023 contingency planning for 2024 and beyond.  When we are brimming with optimism, we plan for the passage of the Afghan Adjustment Act and the DREAM Act, which would create pathways to citizenship for tens of thousands of Afghans and immigrant you…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 10, 2023 at 3:15 PM

Early giving open for Give to the Max Day!

Dear John, Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s biggest giving day, is only one week away! And early giving is open.  Did you know that if you make your gift early you could help the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota qualify for early giving “golden tickets”? Early Giving Golden tickets are $500 award…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

October 12, 2023 at 8:21 PM

October News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

October 2023Dear Friends,  October is the month for one of my favorite Hindu festivals—Navaratri. The festival lasts nine (nava) nights (ratri) and honors the goddess Durga’s victory over an evil demon. It’s a festival I knew little about during my early childhood in the United States because my …

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

September 22, 2023 at 1:00 PM

Final Call: Last day to RSVP for Voices United Gala!

Purchase Tickets Today Last Call to RSVP! September 28th 5:30 p.m.: Registration & Cocktail Reception Arrive early to enjoy music from Salsa del Soul, passed appetizers, and avoid longer registration lines 6-8 p.m.: Program & Full Course Dinner, catered by Kafe 421  Looking for a night on …

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

September 15, 2023 at 4:15 PM

Congress Must Act to Protect Dreamers

Dear John,  On September 13 2023, Judge Andrew Hanen, a federal district court judge in Texas, ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program violates U.S. immigration law. For now, current DACA holders can continue to renew DACA, but it is uncertain for how long. Moreover, …

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

September 12, 2023 at 4:21 PM

A Night of Uplifting Immigrants and Refugees

Music from Salsa del Soul, Catering by Kafe421, and Honoring Advocates! Purchase Tickets Today! September 28th6-8 p.m.The Landmark Center  Looking for a night on the town in support of immigrants and refugees in our community? We would love for you to join us on September 28th for our Voices Un…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

August 22, 2023 at 3:49 PM

Final Call: Early Bird Deadline Today! Join us for our Voices United Gala on September 28th

Purchase Tickets Today! September 28th6-8 p.m.The Landmark Center Today is the last day to take advantage of the early bird ticket pricing for the upcoming Voices United: Uplifting and Transforming Communities gala!   The evening's program is set to be nothing short of inpsiring, with performances…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

August 9, 2023 at 7:41 PM

Announcing Pro Bono Honorees: Voices United Gala

September 28th, 6-8 pm, The Landmark Center Dear John,  You are invited to be part of an inspiring evening that celebrates unity, compassion, and the resilience of our immigrant and refugee communities. Join us at the Voices United: Uplifting and Transforming Communities fundraising gala, hosted…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

August 3, 2023 at 8:37 PM

August News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

August 2023Dear friends and allies, At ILCM, we bring our full legal passion, dedicated attention and highest quality service to our low-income immigrant and refugee clients and their families. That means trying every day to make immigration systems work for all. We live and work by these values…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

August 1, 2023 at 3:32 PM

You're Invited to ILCM's Voices United Gala

Register today! September 28th, 6-8 pm, The Landmark Center Purchase Tickets Today! September 28th6-8 p.m.The Landmark Center  You are invited to be part of an inspiring evening that celebrates unity, compassion, and the resilience of our immigrant and refugee communities. Join us at the Voice…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

July 5, 2023 at 5:09 PM

Save the date: Voices United Gala

September 28th, The Landmark Center Save the Date!  September 28th6-8 p.m.The Landmark Center Please join us in celebrating the importance of immigrants and refugees to Minnesota and North Dakota at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM)'s Voices United Gala!   The evening’s highlights in…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

June 5, 2023 at 9:29 PM

June News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

June 2023Dear Friends and Allies,   We did it! Together, we advocated for immigrants and refugees in the Minnesota legislature, and the legislature responded. During the session that ended on May 22, ILCM’s top legislative priorities passed!  In addition to these top priorities, ILCM also  Suppor…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

May 1, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Expand MinnesotaCare for Immigrants

Dear John,  Everyone needs affordable, quality, healthcare. But too many Minnesotans have no option except high-deductible healthcare plans that are too expensive to use, and current state law excludes undocumented immigrants from qualifying for any state health insurance program.    Call your Mi…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

April 14, 2023 at 2:45 PM

April News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

April 2023Dear Friends and Allies,   In March, we celebrated one of the biggest legislative wins for immigrants in Minnesota in decades: the final passage and signing of Driver’s License for All! This is not just a win for 2023, but a win for 20 years of hard work, organizing, and persistence by …

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

March 15, 2023 at 6:08 PM

Say No to Ending Asylum

Dear John,  A new anti-asylum rule proposed by the Biden administration echoes one of the worst violations of U.S. asylum law attempted by the Trump administration. The rule attempts to bar asylum seekers who have passed through a third country from applying for asylum in the United States. This …

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

March 7, 2023 at 9:56 PM

We did it! DL for All is the law again

Dear John,  Thank you to our amazing community! You did it. We did it. Driver’s Licenses for All is finally the law again in Minnesota!  This is a giant THANK YOU to all of the good people who, this year and over the past 20 years, worked so hard to make this moment happen.  Immigrants and immigra…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

March 3, 2023 at 5:32 PM

Special invitation: join us for ILCM supporter briefing

In person and virtual options available! Dear John,  You’re invited to a special Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota supporter briefing! As one of our closest friends, we want to keep you in the know. We’re only a few months into 2023, and it has gotten off to a flying start.  Please join us on Tu…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

February 20, 2023 at 5:41 PM

Join Us at the Capitol! Driver's Licenses for All Final Senate Vote

Dear John,  Tomorrow’s the day!    Tomorrow, February 21 at approximately 5 p.m., the full Minnesota Senate will debate and vote on the Driver’s Licenses for All Bill (SF 27). The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) joins other advocates, unions, community-based groups, law enforcement, and…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

February 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Double your impact today on Giving Hearts Day!

Help immigrants and refugees Hi John,  Today is Giving Hearts Day, the 24-hour fundraising event for charities in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.   We are thrilled to announce an anonymous matching donor has offered $5,000 in matching gift funds made on Giving Hearts Day. Don’t miss your…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

February 7, 2023 at 5:15 PM

February News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

February 2023 Dear Friends and Allies,  Minnesota’s 2023 legislative session has gotten off to a flying start! We celebrate the Minnesota House’s passage of Driver’s Licenses For All resulting from the strong, combined effort of activists, legislators, religious, business, and civic leaders (inc…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

February 1, 2023 at 6:15 PM

Update: Senate Judiciary Hearing on Friday at 9 a.m.

 UPDATEThe Senate Judiciary Hearing on Friday, February 3rd has been moved to 9 a.m. Please join us to support Driver’s Licenses for All! Pack the Room! Minnesota Senate Building: 95 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103  Room: 1200 Date: Friday, February 3Dear John,  We did it! We showed up, packed…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

January 31, 2023 at 11:48 PM

Driver’s Licenses for All Passes the Minnesota House!

Dear John,  We did it! We showed up, packed the Capitol, and Driver’s Licenses for All is through the House and on its way to the Senate! We were particularly thrilled that ILCM’s fact sheet was cited during the floor debate!  This win was the result of decades of passion, determination, and lead…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

January 27, 2023 at 7:45 PM

Join Us at the Capitol! Driver's Licenses for All Final House Vote

Dear John,  Next Monday, January 30, at 3:30 p.m., the full Minnesota House of Representatives will vote on the Driver’s Licenses for All bill (HF 4). The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) joins other advocates, unions, community-based groups, law enforcement, and businesses in urging the…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

January 18, 2023 at 5:28 PM

Minnesota's Newest Americans: What You Need to Know

Webinar recording and resources In 1990, new Americans were just 2.6% of Minnesota’s population. Thirty years later, that number grew to 8.5%. These percentages are even higher in parts of Greater Minnesota. New Americans play an outsized role in creating a vibrant and prosperous Minnesota, wh…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

January 7, 2023 at 1:30 PM

Please join us! January events and advocacy opportunities

Hi John, Happy New Year!   We’re starting the year off with three opportunities for you to help advance advocacy efforts, learn from a distinguished panel, and gather at Indeed Brewery to benefit ILCM.  Join us online on January 13 from 8am to 9am CDT to learn from these distinguished speakers wha…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

December 30, 2022 at 1:30 PM

For immigrants and refugees, so much is uncertain.

Give a Gift of Certainty Dear John, For immigrants and refugees, so much is uncertain.  But what is certain, is that the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota will be here to help them navigate their immigration legal journey every step of the way.  Throughout the year, we have shared many success s…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

December 15, 2022 at 4:15 PM

December News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

December 2022Dear Friends and Allies,   Wow! You are amazing! This year’s Give to the Max Day raised more than $48,500, just short of our record. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible, from our amazing development team to all of you who contributed to support our continuing work.    …

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

December 1, 2022 at 4:15 PM

Tell Congress: Act NOW to Protect Immigrants

Dear John,  In 2021, the House of Representatives passed legislation that received support from Democrats and a number of Republicans that would provide permanent solutions for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and the agricultural workforce. In 2023, it is unlikely that these m…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 18, 2022 at 12:07 AM

Minnesota is My Home

Dear John,  We are so grateful to all of you for showing up for ILCM and your immigrant and refugee neighbors this Give to the Max Day! If you haven’t yet donated, we still need you! Consider giving in this evening’s Power Hour and you could unlock even more funds. The three registered organizatio…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 17, 2022 at 5:59 PM

Looking for a way to help immigrants and refugees in MN? Double the impact of your gift.

 Dear John, Yesterday I shared an inspiring story about one of our clients, Alba, becoming a U.S. citizen in July. And yet, with many successes and celebrations, there are also unbearable, heart wrenching moments.   We know the pathway to citizenship is broken and nearly impossible to navigate. F…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 17, 2022 at 1:00 PM

Matching gift funds available now!

  Dear John,  It’s officially Give to the Max Day and we have exciting news to share: your gift today can make twice the impact!    Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota’s Board of Directors has come together to offer $18,250 in matching gift funds – for today only. Donate now and double your gift!  …

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 16, 2022 at 6:35 PM

Join us tomorrow for Give to the Max Day

Dear John, Please join us tomorrow for Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s biggest giving day.  By supporting Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota this Give to the Max Day, you’ll be helping provide immigrants and refugees in Minnesota the legal support and education they need to help them achieve their …

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 12, 2022 at 2:00 PM

A look ahead: policy efforts for Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

Dear John,   For the last few days, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota's role in our democracy and wanted to share some highlights and look to the future.Since our founding, we have supported more than 6,000 individuals to become citizens. During this election cy…

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  Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

November 10, 2022 at 3:14 PM

Early giving open for Give to the Max Day!

Dear John,  Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s biggest giving day, is only one week away! And early giving is open.  Did you know that if you make your gift early you could help the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota qualify for early giving “golden tickets”? Early Giving Golden tickets are $500 awa…

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  Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota · [email protected]

October 28, 2022 at 4:55 PM

Celebrating National Immigrants Day

Dear John,  Today on National Immigrants Day, and every day, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota celebrates immigrant Americans who are our friends, neighbors, and community members.   Immigrants are also essential. Without immigrant Americans, there is no essential workforce in the United States. …

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

October 19, 2022 at 4:00 PM

October News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

October 2022Dear Friends and Allies,  In an eloquent poem, Langston Hughes told us to “hold fast to dreams.” Today we must hold fast to dreams and to Dreamers, those immigrants who came to this country as children and have grown up here as members of our communities. We must hold fast despite eve…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

September 19, 2022 at 6:15 PM

Tell the President: TPS for Central America!

Dear John,  Now more than ever, it is time to stop playing political football with the lives of the hundreds of thousands of TPS holders living in the United States. Migrants fleeing violence and poverty cannot return to countries that are not safe. The United States must extend and redesignate #…

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  Veena Iyer · [email protected]

August 11, 2022 at 5:10 PM

August News from the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

August 2022 Dear Friends and Allies,  My name is Andrea Valdez Correa, and I am a Board Member of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM). I am also a former client of ILCM as a DACA recipient and now a visa holder. I immigrated from Mexico when I was one year old. I grew up in a town in Min…

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