Immigration Lawyer Offers Advice to Salem Students
By Leneai Stuart
SALEM, Mass., Feb. 24, 2017 — Since the inauguration of newly elected President Donald Trump, the country has seen shifts in policy and practice which trouble many especially immigrants and other foreign-born persons. A seven-country travel ban, a wall along the border of Mexico and menacing language.
Ela Kijowski, Assistant Dean of International Students and Programs at Salem State University (SSU), invited immigration lawyer Richard Iandoli, from Iandoli Desai & Cronin P.C. Attorneys at Law, to campus on Feb. 15 to speak to students and members of the surrounding community about the law, what it means, and what steps they can take to ensure their safety.
SSU is home to over 9,000 students from 63 countries. Some are here on student or other temporary visas and in light of the recent executive orders, may be confused what this means for them.
“We just wanted to have a place where we can come learn and not from the media but from somebody who is knowledgeable about law and can explain how law happens and what certain things can be blocked or move forward,” Kijowski said in an interview.
During his talk, Iandoli emphasized that the law of immigration is very complex and most times should be taken in a case by case instance to ensure that an individual is receiving the right information.
He also stated that there are many situations where an immigrant can “self-deport” and not be able to get back into the country after traveling. He warned that although there is currently a temporary stop on the travel ban, one can never be sure what the new administration will come up with next, be aware of your rights in this country and when traveling abroad.
“If you are within 100 miles of a port of entry or a border, immigration can stop you and ask you questions without normal protections,” Iandoli said.
To accompany his lecture, Iandoli prepared a presentation that outlined key points such as the basics of immigrant and non-immigrant law, actions on immigration from the new presidential administration, and where to find advocacy groups and legal assistance.
In Fall 2016, SSU hosted close to 500 international students in addition to the many immigrants who live in the Salem community.
“We wanted to create opportunity for someone who maybe doesn’t have access or know where to turn, to come here and ask questions,” Kijowski said.
A folder with a printout of the presentation along with key terms, types of non-immigrant visas, The United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Visa Bulletin, and background information on his law firm were provided.
Iandoli encouraged all who are concerned about their status to seek individual counseling and provided many places, some free to the public, available in the Massachusetts area that individuals can contact.
You can view this list below.
