An organization dedicated to helping the South Asian community it says is growing here on Staten Island has big plans for the New Year. NY1's Aaron Dickens gfiled the following report.

Kanwal Sattar, a single mother says raising her 3-year-old daughter has been difficult.

"It is really hard for me to live with my daughter alone because I need my husband as soon as possible," said Sattar.

She says her husband who lives in Pakistan has been trying to get a green card for 7 years. Sattar and her daughter are both U.S. Citizens. She says moving to Pakistan is not an option.

"Kids are being kidnapped in Pakistan nowadays. I can't even think of sending her to school in Pakistan," she said.

Dr. Nithiananda Chatterjie says Sattar's struggle is one of many members of the South Asian community face here in the borough. He is the president of the Alliance of South Asian American Labor, a local Chapter on Staten Island also known as ASAAL. Chatterjie helped start the non-profit last year, which tackles a number of issues. He says educated professionals in the South Asian community are being forced to take lower paying jobs.

"It is extremely important the everyone functions to their upmost capacity," said Chatterjie.

ASAAL has 6 chapters in the tri-state area. Chatterjie says Staten Island has more than 150 members. The organization campaigned for Democrat Michael McMahon in the race for District Attorney. Chatterjie plans to partner with more elected officials this year and help community members register to vote.

"There are a lot of changes that can be made at the state and local level. I think we will be able to work with our legislatures to make sure these things are taken care of," he added.

Members of the organization say they also plan to tackle Island wide issues including toll relief, reducing property taxes and improving transportation.

"Not only for the South Asian people but we live in a community as a community," said another ASAAL member.

ASAAL's next meeting is scheduled to take place on March 26th. Sattar says she is hopeful the organization can help her and others in her shoes. For more information about the organization you can email karimsiny@gmail.com.