To: Press
and Media Outlets
From: Michelle
Kobler, Esq. on behalf of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) -
Philadelphia Chapter-mkobler@klaskolaw.com, 215-825-8606
Date:
Re: Pro
Bono Citizenship Day – March 29, 2014
Helping Our
Community Members Become U.S. Citizens:
Pro Bono
Citizenship Day on Saturday, March 29, 2014
For more than 200 years,
America has remained strong because of its diverse citizenship and the common
civic values we share. Pro Bono
Citizenship Day is a national initiative convened by the American Immigration
Lawyers Association (AILA) and local partner organizations. In Philadelphia,
the partnership groups are holding the event on Saturday, March 29th,
earlier than the national event scheduled for April 26th to increase
law student participation. During the
day, eligible low income permanent residents (green card holders) will receive
free assistance and legal representation in applying for U.S. citizenship. This year, Philadelphia AILA is partnering with
the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs and other numerous
community organizations and bar associations to offer Pro Bono Citizenship Day
in two sites in Philadelphia and in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and York
counties. Co-sponsored by more than a
dozen local organizations throughout the region, Pro Bono Citizenship Day has
broad support in the communities of eastern Pennsylvania.
“Pro Bono Citizenship Day
is an important part of our Administration’s efforts to promote the benefits of
citizenship on a year-round basis. It is
estimated that in Philadelphia today, there are 50,000 residents who are
eligible to become naturalized citizens, but don’t follow through due to financial
or other hardships,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Pro Bono Citizenship Day, with the help of
local lawyers, law firms, universities, individuals and the Mayor’s Office of
Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, will help Philadelphia’s aspiring citizens
to achieve their dream. I want to thank
the American Immigration Lawyers Association and its partners for organizing
this exciting opportunity.”
The Pro Bono Citizenship
Day lead-up activities begin in mid- March. Immigration attorneys from the Philadelphia
Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) will present
Citizenship Information Sessions at local community organization sites (details
provided on following page), and encourage all interested green card holders to
attend. The presenters will explain the
U.S. citizenship process and assess an individual’s eligibility for
citizenship. In general, those who have
had their “green cards” for 5 years (or 3 years if they are married to U.S.
citizens) who can speak, read and write English, are eligible to apply for
citizenship. At the information sessions
individuals learn if they meet the eligibility requirements and then schedule
an appointment for assistance on Pro Bono Citizenship Day: Saturday, March 29, 2014.
Pro Bono Citizenship Day will
be staffed by volunteer attorneys, legal assistants, interpreters and other
community members who have completed AILA-led trainings on the laws and process
of obtaining U.S. citizenship. The volunteer teams will guide eligible
permanent residents through the application for naturalization and represent
them in the process. Pro Bono
Citizenship Day assistance is offered at no cost*, and therefore is aimed at
eligible low-income permanent residents who would not otherwise be able to
afford legal assistance with the application process. In addition to
application assistance, this year we will offer assistance in applying for a
waiver of the application fee.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is
a win-win for immigrants and the communities they live in. New citizens gain voting rights, personal and
family security, and job opportunities.
In turn, they help keep America strong and vibrant by contributing their
voices to the civic dialogue, their efforts and initiatives to growing and
innovating our economy, and their dedication to the American ideals of freedom
and democracy. In early May 2014, the
naturalization application form required for submission will dramatically
change, so all interested applicants are encouraged to attend this year to
avoid a lengthier form.
* $10 is requested to cover
the cost of certified mailing
Sponsors: Pro Bono Citizenship Day is a collaborative
community-wide project, sponsored by the American Immigration Lawyers
Association – Philadelphia Chapter, African Family Health Organization, Asian Pacific American Bar Association-PA,
Barrister’s Association of Philadelphia, Brandeis Law Society, Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia, Church World Service, Lancaster, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services, HIAS Pennsylvania, Keystone Opportunities Center and the
Lansdale Public Library, Mayor’s
Office on Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MOIMA), Multicultural Community Family Services of
Upper Darby, Nationalities Service Center, Pennsylvania Bar Immigration Committee, Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition , Philadelphia VIP, Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, and
the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians. More organizations are joining every
day.
Information Sessions: Citizenship
Information Sessions will cover three topics:
1.
Explanation of
the U.S. citizenship application process and eligibility criteria
2.
Individual
screening for eligibility
3.
Appointment
scheduling and review of supporting documents required for March 29
The Citizenship Information
Sessions and screenings will be conducted in English. Interested applicants who need language
assistance are asked to bring their own reliable interpreter.
Citizenship Information and
Application Assistance Sessions will be held at locations throughout Eastern
Pennsylvania:
Chester County Monday, March 10, 5:30pm St. Rocco Center
9016 Gap Newport Pike
Avondale, PA 19311
Return to same site for
Citizenship Day, March 29th
Delaware County Saturday,
March 22, 12pm Multicultural
Community Family Services
7016 Terminal Square
Upper Darby, PA
19082
484-461-8660
Return to same site for Citizenship Day,
March 29th
Montgomery County Tuesday,
March 18, 6pm Trinity
Church*
1000 W. Main Street
Lansdale, PA 19446
215-368-1710
*Sponsored by Keystone Opportunity Center
Go to different site for Citizenship
Day, March 29th
Lansdale
Library
301 Vine St,
Lansdale, PA 19446
Philadelphia #1 Wednesday, March 19, 6pm Esperanza
4261
North 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Return to same site for Citizenship Day,
March 29th
Philadelphia #2 Thursday, March 20, 6pm Nationalities Service Center
1216
Arch Street, 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Return to same site for Citizenship Day,
March 29th
Philadelphia #3 Sunday, March 23, 1pm First Haitian Church of God
of Prophecy
2061
E. Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19138
Go to different sites for Citizenship
Day, March 29th
Nationalities Service Center
or Esperanza
York County Saturday, March 22, 11am Martin Library
159 E. Market Street
York, PA 17401
Return to same site for Citizenship Day,
March 29th
Interested attorneys: Attorneys
from all practice areas are being recruited to offer pro bono service. Training,
CLE credit and on-site support will be provided. Interested attorneys should
attend an informational training session, and sign up by contacting:
Lourena Gboeah Michelle
Kobler
215-832-0913* Wed- Friday only
215-825-8606
Judith Bernstein-Baker,
Esq.
215-832-0900
