Joining The Fray - Episode 3. Citizenship NOW!

Written By Nadine Huggins

Joining the Fray – Episode 2. 

June 10, 2024



“When you do nothing you feel overwhelmed and powerless.  But when you get involved you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” – Maya Angelou

Immigrant communities face several challenges throughout their journeys.  Some are cultural like making decisions about the freedom given to male children vs. female children.  Some are financial like whether to pursue higher education and sacrifice present day earning potential in the hopes of a better economic future.  Navigating these complex decisions can be difficult without the proper guidance especially in cases where there can be long term and legal ramifications like disclosing undocumented status or asking for help with something.  Access to community-based supports can be an invaluable resource. 

So how do you begin to address the needs of a friend in need?  In most cases, a few sage words from an expert can provide information and answers that can be invaluable.  Knowing whether to spend the money to move forward in a given situation can be invaluable but how can one gain the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision?  Community based organizations often offer free expert help to delve into the ins and outs of queries common to the newly arrived immigrant.

Episode 2 – Featured Community Based Organization

New York’s CUNY Citizenship NOW! offer free, high-quality, and confidential immigration law services to help to immigrants and their family members on their path to U.S. citizenship. Their attorneys and paralegals will assess eligibility for legal benefits and help those who are qualified complete the application process.  

Established in 1997, Citizenship NOW! has helped immigrants and their families: 

  • Become U.S. citizens

  • Petition for their family members

  • Obtain Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) 

  • Get Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

  • Pay a reduced fee or no fee when they apply for some immigration benefits

  • Get their children U.S. citizenship when they become citizens

  • Renew or replace lost, damaged, or expired immigration documents

All of their services are free and open to all New Yorkers, whether CUNY students or not, and regardless of income.




Nadine Huggins
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Point of Protest Volume 2. Episode 1