NATA team meets US Senator to help UNVA students

New Jersey, August 4: North American Telugu Association (NATA) delegation Mohan Patalolla (BOD), Mahesh Bigala (PR Chair) and Srinivas Ganagoni (CS Chair) met Chief immigration staff of US Senator Frank Lautenberg in New Jersey as part of NATA's continued efforts to help students affected by the University of Northern Virginia (UNVA).

NATA has learned that many students of Telugu origin have been affected by the UNVA has come under investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), bringing students to uncertainty regarding their status and options available.

NATA President AVN Reddy reviewed the situation and authorized the team take necessary steps with legal assistance and provide any other help as required. To help these students NATA is taking several steps to guide them properly and arrange any help they need. 'NATA is determined to make every effort in helping the students of Telugu community in their legal needs' said AVN Reddy.

NATA Team held extensive discussions with Senator Frank Lautenberg's Chief Immigration staff and addressed all the issues related to UNVA students and also raised the issued related to Tri-Valley Students. 'We are pleased with today's meeting and response from Senator's office' said Mahesh Bigala (NATA PR Chair).

He mentioned that 'we have been closely working with senator's office for the last six month since the Tri-Valley issue and today Senators office assured us that they will write a letter to DHS and inform us the updates and also will raise the issue in legislative sessions at appropriate time'.

To help students affected by UNVA situation, NATA has arranged a Teleconference on Thursday August 4, 2011 with an eminent and expert immigration attorney Rajiv S Khanna (www.immigration.com). The teleconference event was attended by over 200 students. NATA Board of Director, Mahender Musuku welcomed all the students and briefed NATA's efforts and assured to extend the help on behalf of NATA. Attorney Rajiv Khanna addressed the call and provided guidance to the students of UNVA and also assured to have several more calls in coming weeks.

Many NATA team members were present during the Teleconference. Board of Director Mohan Patalolla explained steps taken by NATA to help UNVA students including meeting with Senators staff and thanked Rajiv S.Khanna for his help.

President AVN Reddy said that 'we are closely monitoring the situation and working with several authorities and Immigration attorneys'.

Srinivas Ganagoni (CS Chair) said that our NATA Community Services Member and leading immigration attorney Prashathi Reddy has come forward to help UNVA students.

Students can reach her at prashanthi@reddyesq.com or 212-354-1010 Ext: 107.

NATA will continue its efforts in helping UNVA students.

Student in need of help can contact NATA team by sending an email to Natacommunityservices@nataus.org for further assistance or updates on future conference calls.