Citizenship Workshop Provides Assistance to over 200 Individuals

The spirit was high Saturday, March 24th at the Citizenship Workshop, as more than 200 individuals received free citizenship assistance. The day was co-sponsored by the International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles. SEIU Local 99 provided funding for the venue, food, and tables and chairs. Local community organizations such as NALEO and the Korean Resource Center helped participants complete applications to become U.S. citizens, and the International Rescue Committee staff and volunteers assisted naturalization applicants complete fee waivers. Clients were also able to access free legal advice. In a county where the unauthorized practice of law is far too frequent, having accredited representatives present was an integral service available.

Individuals traveled from as far as Orange County and San Diego to access these services. Some camped out outside Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, where the workshop took place, to ensure that they would be able to receive assistance.

Over 100 volunteers provided assistance and guidance to the participants. 50 of these volunteers were recruited by the International Rescue Committee and included several high school students from Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools. We thank these volunteers for their dedication, without which we could not provide these valuable services to the community.

If you would like to learn more about future workshops and how to assist, please contact Angineh Torosiyan, IRC Immigration Assistant, at Angineh.Torosiyan@rescue.org or Bari Turetzky, IRC Development Manager, at Bari.Turetzky@rescue.org.
 
To see photos from the event, please visit our facebook page: http:www.facebook.com/IRCLA or click here: https://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/global/users125991/Jeremy%20with%20client.JPG