Photo of Roberto Flores

Robert Flores

  • Hosted by YMCA International Services
  • Sponsored by Disaster Resilience Program
  • Service location Houston, Texas
  • Law school South Texas College of Law Houston
  • Issue area Disaster Recovery, Disaster Response and Preparedness, Immigrant Populations
  • Fellowship class year 2020
  • Program Disaster Resilience Program

The Project

Robert’s project served immigrants affected by natural disasters preserve their rights and apply for immigration benefits. His Fellowship addressed the needs of immigrants who were disproportionately affected by natural disasters and who were systemically cut off from public services. Immigrants are very often left out of local, state, and federal aid after a disaster.

Fellowship Plans

Robert worked with refugees and asylees to apply for permanent residency and citizenship to secure their immigration status. A stable status is crucial to remain eligible for public benefits after a natural disaster. He provided widespread pro se services for immigrants in removal proceedings. Many immigrants need help with navigating the immigration court system. Providing information is crucial to ensure that they do not inadvertently forgo any rights while in removal proceedings. Robert conducted outreach activities in a variety of ways to a variety of audiences. Immigration issues are expansive and complex, and each person has different needs. It is essential to meet individuals and families in different situations to provide a wide variety.

Robert previously served as an Equal Justice Works Fellow in the Disaster Recovery Legal Corps.

Media

My Impact: A Conversation with 2020 Fellow Robert Flores

Meet the 2021 Class of Disaster Resilience Program Student Fellows

Equal Justice Works Raises Visibility of Role of Legal Aid in Disaster Response and Preparedness

Equal Justice Works Fellows to Host Disaster Legal Aid Trainings

Disaster Legal Aid Trainings: What do Refugees and New Arrivals Need to Know?

Chance. Luck. A random juxtaposition of events led me to be born into my situation. The son of an immigrant mother and an American father. However, I had access to resources to which others are systemically cut off. I do this to show to myself that I am grateful for my life. Helping others costs me proportionally nothing compared to what others have paid.

Robert Flores /
2020 Disaster Resilience Program Fellow

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