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Public Employee Press
New citizens with
a boost from their union Theresa
Trujillo, a native of Colombia, was getting nowhere fast in her attempts to become
an American citizen. She spent big bucks on lawyers who basically said that her
chances of becoming a citizen were slim. They kept telling me that I wasnt
eligible, said the Local 1549 member, who works as a Clerical Associate
3 at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens. She found out about DC 37s
Municipal Employees Legal Services at a union meeting and contacted MELS in January.
By May she was on her way to becoming a citizen. Im so happy with
the service that DC 37 provided, said Trujillo. Some people think
union meetings are a waste of time, but I dont agree. I learn a lot at those
meetings. Tapas Katari and his wife Sulekha, who come from India,
are members of Brooklyn Public Library Local 1482. Already a citizen, Tapas didnt
bother with outside attorneys to help Sulekha attain citizenship. I saw
the information in the union newspaper. I called up and got an appointment right
away, said the Assistant Accountant. I didnt have to spend a
penny, we got great service, and Sulekha became a citizen this summer.
In August, DC 37 was handling 138 applications from members
and putting them on the path to citizenship. Sometimes they think theyre
not eligible, but I tell them to take a chance, said MELS Staff Attorney
Joan Foy. They have to be straightforward about past problems like back
taxes or a criminal record. Citizenship Committee Chair Cuthbert
Dickenson has made it a priority to encourage union members to take advantage
of the services provided by DC 37 and apply for citizenship. Its
more critical now with a presidential election coming soon, said Dickenson,
who is also president of Local 374. We want our members to be able to flex
their political muscles come election time. Alfredo
Alvarado | |