The New American Initiative is a $3 million program that will promote active citizenship among Illinois’ recent immigrants by running naturalization services and education programs. It is an unprecedented, state funded program created by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Governor Rod Blagojevich, and various State Representatives.KRCC, along with two other agencies, were chosen to head up the effort in the Korean American community. A collaborative naturalization workshop was held on February 26th where 180 Legal Permanent Residents took their first step in acquiring citizenship. This effort is tied to KRCC’s civic engagement and voter empowerment work.
