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Together We Rise Citizenship Clinics
The AFT’s Together We Rise citizenship clinics provide a window of opportunity for strategic community partnerships and creative organizing. The AFT has teamed up with the AFL-CIO, the National Partnership for New Americans, local AFT affiliates, pro bono legal networks and faith and community-based organizations to help our members and those we serve navigate the naturalization process.
There are 9 million lawful permanent residents eligible for naturalization nationwide. Union-led citizenship clinics help members and the community at large navigate the naturalization process and understand the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen. Citizenship clinics are free to all eligible applicants who meet the requirements. The AFT kicked off the Together We Rise citizenship clinics four years ago and has since expanded across the country from Florida, to Oregon, Texas to California reaching over 2,700 individuals and helping 1,300 lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens.
To learn more about the AFT’s Together We Rise citizenship work, or if you’re interested in hosting a citizenship clinic, contact César Moreno Pérez in the AFT’s Human Rights and Community Relations Department at cmoreno@aft.org.
HOW we do this work: This is not a one-size fits all campaign. Programs take different size and shape depending on local needs and capacity. In many cities and states, we do this work jointly as the labor movement. We also have affiliates, who lead robust campaigns for their membership. Whatever the approach, we work closely with allies and community partners to make our programs a success. | WHO does this work: Across the country, the labor citizenship campaign has developed a large committed network of staff and activists. That includes a team of expert practitioners who coordinate and lead the work, as well as tens of thousands of union volunteers who give their time to make clinics happen. This talent pool provides a tremendous resource to other unions and labor federations who want to engage in the work. |
In a time marked by fear, division and uncertainty, especially for immigrant communities, the AFT’s Together We Rise citizenship clinics are bright reminders that we can still build connections and strengthen resolve to preserve our democracy.
The mood was upbeat, joyful and full of hope at the Community Fair and Together We Rise Citizenship Clinic Sunday.
Crowds of Spanish-speaking parishioners in Los Angeles milled about the historic Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles Catholic Church grounds Jan. 7, browsing through free children’s books.