Public Employee Press

Citizenship and immigration forum assists members


About 75 members seeking help from experts on immigration issues participated in the DC 37 Citizenship Committee's fourth annual Citizenship and Immigration Forum April 27.

"It is crucial that members who haven't already done so get on the road to citizenship," said Committee Chair and Local 374 President Cuthbert Dickenson. "Once you become a citizen you can vote and make your voice heard."

Joseph Cardinale, from the Dept. of Homeland Security, told members not to get discouraged by the bureaucracy, because the waiting time for appointments and for obtaining green cards has been reduced considerably. He advised that permanent residents with children should not delay in becoming citizens, since their children run the risk of being deported should they be arrested even for a minor infraction.

Panelist Donnell Suares recommended that people seeking help with their immigration cases should use attorneys who specialize in immigration law and provide them with accurate information. "If you try to hide things from them, it can come out later and make things worse," he said.

Michelle Centeno of the city Comptroller's Office pointed out that all immigrants, regardless of their status, are entitled to the same wages as U.S. citizens and should take legal action if their employer is cheating them.

"Using your right to vote after becoming a citizen is extremely important," said Hannah Weinstock of the New York Civic Participation Project.

Municipal Employees Legal Services staff attorney Joan Foy advised members to apply for citizenship as soon as possible, because the fee (now $680) keeps increasing. Foy and her staff helped 55 members become citizens last year. Members who need help should call MELS at 212-815-1111 for an appointment.

Education Fund Professional Assistant Rita Chen See helped Dickenson coordinate the forum.