Public Employee Press

Citizenship Committee:
“The right to vote makes you powerful!”

The DC 37 Citizenship Committee held a very timely forum on immigration issues April 26 at DC 37 headquarters.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Irwine G. Clare, a longtime advocate for Caribbean immigrants and currently managing director of Caribbean Immigrant Services Inc.

Clare answered numerous questions from the audience of union members and stressed to them the importance of applying for citizenship if they are eligible.

“You should also reach out to anyone around you who is eligible and encourage them to apply as well,” said Clare at the evening forum.

Clare stressed that the longer people wait, the more likely that they will have to pay a higher application fee. The fee, which has been rising rapidly, is currently $400. According to Clare, many Caribbean nationals tend to put off applying for citizenship until they are ready to retire.

“Citizenship means that you have the right to vote, and that makes you much more powerful,” said DC 37 Citizenship Committee Chair Cuthbert Dickerson, who is the president of Quasi-Public Employees Local 374.

Staff Attorney Joan Foy of DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Service handles citizenship cases for members who request assistance directly and many who are referred by the committee.

Speaking at the forum, she explained the many legal services available to members and their families who want to become American citizens.