AILA, NALEO Educational Fund, and the National Partnership for New Americans Team Up for Virtual Citizenship Day Events
Organizations are hosting dozens of virtual events as part of a national effort on and around Saturday, February 20, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, and the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) are proud to sponsor AILA Citizenship Day, taking place virtually on Saturday, February 20, 2021. In its 15th year, this event brings together attorneys, affiliates, law students, paralegals, interpreters, and members of the community who can help lawful permanent residents (LPRs) take the final steps toward naturalization to become U.S. citizens. Usually, this effort results in dozens of naturalization clinics in cities and towns across the country, and this year is no different, though the clinics will be virtual.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Immigration Statistics, millions of lawful permanent residents or “green card holders” are potentially eligible to naturalize.
With pro bono assistance being offered during this nationwide event, AILA Citizenship Day aims to address and assist eligible lawful permanent residents who have not yet completed the naturalization process. AILA Citizenship Day’s success springs from the partnerships between NALEO Educational Fund, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization that facilitates the full participation of Latinos in the American political process; NPNA, which brings together the 37 largest regional immigrant and refugee rights organizations in 31 states; and AILA chapters throughout the country.
“Citizenship Day is one of the most inspiring projects AILA and its members work on each year and I am so proud that our partners and chapters have built out a virtual option so we can continue this incredibly important work despite the pandemic in a way that is safe for everyone and allows access to qualified counsel. We look forward to working with our dedicated partners and ensuring the 15th AILA Citizenship Day helps as many aspiring Americans as possible,” said Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director.
“Immigrants are a driving force in the American economy and enrich the cultural beauty of what it means to be an American,” said Arturo Vargas, CEO at NALEO Educational Fund. “Currently, there are nearly nine million lawful permanent residents who are eligible for U.S. citizenship, over half of whom are Latinos. After years of patience, hard work, and loyalty to our country, our nation’s LPRs are eager to become naturalized on their path to becoming full participants in America’s civic life. NALEO Educational Fund will continue to provide guidance and resources on the citizenship process, including through our toll-free, national bilingual hotline (888-839-8682) Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (ET).”
“We are committed to continue working with partners, allies and municipal leaders to promote access to citizenship. We strongly believe that eligible LPRs have the right to participate in our democracy and call this country their home” said Nicole Melaku, Executive Director, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA). NPNA encourages LPRs to start their naturalization process by participating in this year’s AILA Citizenship day.”
More information is available at https://www.aila.org/practice/pro-bono/find-your-opportunity/citizenship-day