by | May 5, 2020 | Newsletter
A month has passed since Pars Equality Center (Pars) announced its preparedness to serve the community during these unprecedented times. Since then, our preparedness has resulted in concrete and essential services as we continue to evolve and strengthen our remote-based programs.
Highlights of the past 30 days include Pars Los AngelesEmergency Food Assistance Programthat distributes food to low-income families in a safe, effective, and reliable manner that complies with COVID-19 social distancing protocols. To qualify, the household must meet federal income guidelines but proof of income is not required to receive food from this program.
We have dedicated a website page to our COVID-19 Response and Resources with vital information translated in Farsi and means to contact our centers if further assistance is required. Closing our doors to the public did not mean the cancellation of our Education & Outreach events. Our centers in San Jose and Los Angeles have continually scheduled virtual presentations, webinars and online Q&A sessions to keep our community, notably immigrants, up-to-date with the latest developments. We have kept our promises to improve the wellness of our senior citizens by continuing the Silver Clubprograms, like yoga and meditation, on Pars Telegram Channel.
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve our community to the extent possible during these difficult times. To our supporters who are able to assist those who have been severely affected by the pandemic, we request that you consider donating to Pars’Emergency Fundunder ourFund a Need program.Also, “Giving Tuesday Now” is TODAY and your donations on this daywill be doubled!In helping others, you help yourself. #GivingTuesdayNow.
by | Apr 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
In response the COVID-19 crisis, Pars Equality Center in Los Angeles created the Emergency Food Assistance Program to distribute food to those in need in a safe, effective, and reliable manner that complies with COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Individuals and families who need food can place a REQUEST FOR FOOD by filling out the request form. After the request for food is placed, someone from Pars Equality Center will be contacting the individual who placed the order to confirm the information received, what date and time food will be ready for pick-up.
Pars Equality Center team is working diligently and will do our best to secure enough supply of food items to feed every hungry individual and family requesting food during the current COVID-19 related crisis. However, food supply is dependent on our partners ability to secure the food from their food sources.
More about the Program:
The food distributed at these sites includes nonperishable, shelf-stable food items, and food vouchers.
- Where do Emergency Food Assistance Program food distributions take place?
The food distributions take place at Pars office in Sherman Oaks. Staff and volunteers from Pars put the food in grocery bags and give the groceries to our clients standing in line. - Are there income guidelines for the Emergency Food Assistance Program?Yes. To qualify for this program, your household must meet federal income guidelines determined by household size and household income. (See Below)
Please note: Proof of income is NOT REQUIRED to receive food from this program. This is a verbal self-certification program.
With special thanks to our partner in this effort, Radio 670 AM KIRN and all the sponsors: The office of Council Member David Ryu, Woodland Hills Market, Delphi Greek, King’s Market and Almas Food.
If you would like to join this campaign and donate to the program please contact Peyman Malaz at [email protected] .
by | Apr 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of routine face-to-face services at all of their offices until June 4, 2020. These routine services include all interviews and naturalization ceremonies. USCIS offices will begin to re-open on June 4unless the public closures are extended further.
by | Apr 22, 2020 | Uncategorized
Following President Trump’s tweet to temporary suspend immigration to the U.S., the Whitehouse issued a proclamation suspending entry of immigrants into the United States for a period of 60 days (which may be extended). The proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on April 23, 2020. This suspension is narrower than initially thought and only applies to those who are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation and do not have an immigrant visa or travel document that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation.
In addition to its narrow scope, the proclamation contains several exceptions. The suspension of entry to the U.S. does not apply to numerous categories including but not limited to:
- green card holders who happen to be outside the U.S. on the effective date of the proclamation
- spouses and children (under 21) of U.S. citizens
- Immigrant visa applicants who are seeking to enter the U.S. as a physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals
- EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program visa applicants
If you are in the U.S. and seeking to become a legal permanent resident (i.e. applying for a green card), the 60-day suspension does not apply to you. Also, the suspension does not apply to those who seek non-immigrant visas to the U.S. (for example student (F-1) and visitor (B-1/B-2) visas).
It is worth noting that immigration is effectively on hold with USCIS offices closed to the public and visa processing at embassies and consulates on pause.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Pars Equality Center’s Immigration Services:
408-261-6405 (San Jose Office) / 818-325-7551 (Los Angeles Office)
[email protected] / [email protected].
by | Apr 21, 2020 | Uncategorized
Last night, President Trump tweeted that he is planning to sign an executive order temporarily suspending immigration to the US, suggesting that the measure is needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and protect American jobs. The details of the proposed order have not been communicated but media reports suggest that it would block the issuance of new green cards and work visas for roughly 120 days with the exception of visas for workers in essential fields, including health care workers and farmworkers.
Immigration has already been significantly restricted amid the pandemic. In March 2020, the administration limited travel from China, Iran and Europe. The U.S. State Department suspended routine visa processing at embassies and consulates. The U.S. borders with Canada and Mexico have been closed for nonessential travel. It is unclear how the planned executive order would further restrict these measures that have practically brought immigration to a halt.
We will keep you updated when further details become available. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact Pars Equality Center’s Immigration Services for assistance.
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