Yesterday, the group converged outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office where the United Workers Movement has been holding a 24-hour vigil since Oct. 21.
Lisa Abendano said they have prepared at least six solicitation boxes for the “A Dollar for a Lawyer” fundraising campaign.
She said they also want to tap funds that can be provided by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
US Pinoys for Good Governance chairwoman Loida Nicolas Lewis earlier encouraged jobless nonresidents who want to remain the CNMI to seek help from the Philippine government.
Rabby Syed, United Workers Movement president, is urging all nonresidents to unite and seek all possible avenues that can help them pursue their cause.
He said his group will continue to ask the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue parole-in-place to all nonresidents or extend their umbrella permit, which expires on Nov. 27.
Syed said his group supports the plan to raise funds and hire a lawyer.
“We support whatever good intentions they have. This campsite is the meeting place for anybody who would come up with programs that are good for nonresidents and the community,” he added.
Grace Linaogo is hoping to get more support from the community, “As long as we are here, there is hope,” she added.
Boni Sagada, Dekada Movement president and one of those who filed the legal action in federal court, unity is what nonresidents need.
“We should avoid any action that would divide us. Let us always go forward toward a common cause,” he added.
Ronnie Doca, Filipino Contract Workers Association president, said their peaceful vigil outside the USCIS office is also getting support from the local community.
“Businessmen come here and donate food and drinks. It’s like fiesta every day at our campsite,” he added.
More people are visiting the peaceful vigil every day, he said.
Syed on Saturday reiterated that the fundraising drive is neither connected with his group nor U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance.
He also acknowledged that the effort was for a good cause, but the money being raised is not for legal representation of individual cases.
He said he would like to meet the leaders of other nonresident groups, including those involved in the fundraising effort. “We need a unified stand to pursue our common goal, “ he added.
