Public Employee Press

Union conference maps the difficult road to citizenship

The DC 37 Citizenship Committee held its third annual Citizenship and Immigration Forum April 28 at the union. Representatives from the union’s Municipal Employees Legal Services, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Civic Participation Project were among the speakers at the program who helped members navigate the often confusing road toward citizenship.

“The process can be very complicated,” said Local 374 President Cuthbert Dickenson, who chairs the committee. “We hope this forum can provide information to make it a lot easier.”

Panelist Donell Suares, a Brooklyn immigration attorney, urged everyone seeking citizenship to consult with an attorney who specializes in immigration law before applying. He advised following immigration guidelines closely and providing original copies of the necessary documents. “If you have all of your papers in order, the process will go a lot smoother,” Suares said.

Homeland Security Field Office Director Charles Akalski encouraged forum participants to visit their office at Federal Plaza or their Web site if they have questions. “We want to engage the community and help people become naturalized citizens,” said Akalski.

Members planning to become citizens can also get assistance at the union’s Municipal Employees Legal Services. MELS will represent the member, spouse and any children under 21 in the application process and will file an appeal if the application is denied. They will also provide sample tests and help members prepare for their interviews. “All these services are free,” said MELS Staff Attorney Joan Foy, who advised members not to sign any documents they don’t understand and to get copies of all documents and receipts.

After the presentations, all of the panelists stayed and answered members’ questions. The program was organized with the help of Rita Chen See of the DC 37 Education Fund and committee members.