February 17, 2016
Contact: Emily Kessel, eakessel@nakasec.org
NAKASEC Hosts Free February Naturalization Clinic for Korean American Community
ANNANDALE, VIRGINIA— Today, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) announced its upcoming naturalization clinic to promote citizenship in the Korean American community and immigrant empowerment in Virginia. NAKASEC will be working together with the following organizations: the Asian American Homeownership Counseling, Korean-American Association of theWashington Metropolitan Area, Korean American Society of Virginia, Korean American Women’s Society, Korean Society of Maryland, and Washington-Spencerville Korean SDA Church.
The clinic will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Holy Cross Korean Episcopal Church (10520 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030) from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on an appointment basis. Community members can schedule an appointment by calling the NAKASEC office (703-256-2208) or emailing Sae Hee Chun (schun@nakasec.org) no later than February 23 at 6pm EST.
Community members will receive free services assistance in Korean and English with checking filling out citizenship applications (N-400) and an application review by an immigration lawyer or qualified legal representative. All services are free to registered community members. Copies of “Your Guide to Citizenship” will also be available.
Please see the following flyer for a list of documents and information to free to in advance of your appointment, along with $680 check or money order.
Of the estimated 200,000 Korean American Legal Permanent Residents eligible to naturalize, there are 6,900 in Virginia and nearly 5,000 are from Fairfax County alone.
Dong Yoon Kim, Program Director at NAKASEC, said: “We remain committed to lifting up the Korean American and Asian American voice in the elections and through igniting power for all community members whether they are applying for DACA, waiting for DACA expansion or DAPA, eligible to naturalize, or vote. We building a strong network of community-based support with Korean organizations in Virginia and Maryland and look forward to working with these organizations, civic leaders, students, churches, and community members in Virginia and the broader DMV area to make our voices heard and our community stronger. We encourage community members to sign up for our February naturalization clinic and/or join us for an upcoming listening session to share issues that impact you and your community.”
Emily Kessel, Advocacy Director at NAKASEC, said: “The Supreme Court is anticipated to hear the DAPA/ DACA+ case in the spring, programs that would positively change the lives of an estimated 48,600 Korean American parents and young immigrants. Over 8,000 Korean Americans are currently benefiting from the 2012 DACA program and tens of thousands more are still encouraged to come forward, apply, and live without fear. We urge all Korean Americans who are eligible to naturalize or vote to take a step forward and apply for citizenship or register to vote for our community, especially for those who are not yet able to vote including individuals with DACA and waiting for DAPA/DACA+.”
For additional questions or to check if you are eligible for citizenship, please call NAKASEC’s office at 703-256-2208 or email schun@nakasec.org
