NYC Organizations Partner on Citizenship Support Assistance


February 1, 2013

New York City, N.Y. – Humanitarian agency Church World Service has joined with other New York legal service providers and nonprofit organizations as part of an unprecedented national network of businesses, faith-based organizations, community leaders and foundations that have launched a nonpartisan project to transform the system of naturalization assistance – and to help more legal permanent immigrants become U.S. citizens.

In February, organizations in New York City will present two joint workshops where immigrants living in New York may receive pro-bono legal assistance and related services to help them complete citizenship applications.

CWS and co-organizers invite lawful permanent residents to attend the workshops to receive the free naturalization legal services. The New York workshops are sponsored by CWS, International Rescue Committee and Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrants Rights.

Workshop 1: CWS and Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights

WHEN: Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., walk-ins accepted.

WHERE:  Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrants Rights, 665 W. 182nd St, 1st Fl between Wadsworth Ave & Broadway in Manhattan

CONTACT:  CWS, 212-870-2811

Workshop 2: CWS and International Rescue Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 and Friday, March 1, 2013, from 6-8 p.m., no walk-ins accepted.  Call for an appointment.

WHERE: International Rescue Committee, 263 W. 38th St, 6th between 7th and 8th Aves in Manhattan

CONTACT:  CWS, 212-870-2814

Why citizenship assistance?

Based on their green card status, more than eight million immigrants are currently legal residents (which allows them to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis), and currently qualify for U.S. citizenship.  Yet, only eight percent of them become citizens each year.

They face a range of barriers, including high application fees and a complex citizenship process that can take up to two years to complete.  Many also fall victim to unscrupulous attorneys and notaries who take advantage of individuals seeking legal assistance.

The workshops are paving an easier road for aspiring Americans to achieve the dream of becoming a citizen by modernizing and streamlining access to citizenship-support services. New York is home to immigrants from all over the globe.

Contact

Tara Pinkham, 212-870-2811, tpinkham@churchworldservice.org