Almost 150 Queens immigrants, from the Ivory Coast to Israel, turned out for Citizenship Now! — a free program, sponsored by City Councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr. and the City University of New York to help people become full citizens. Throughout the three-hour event, families and individuals met with CUNY lawyers who provided free counseling on a number of issues from the particulars of filling out forms to citizenship test preparation.“Immigration is a family issue and it’s important that we keep families together so that they live free and prosper,” Addabbo said. “New York City was built on the backs of immigrants who continue to play a vital role in our economy and culture. As the grandchild of Italian immigrants who braved the Atlantic to make a better life for themselves, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the strength that comes from struggle.
Two CUNY law students on Addabbo’s staff are there to help residents with immigration issues every Monday. Call (718) 738-1111 for more information.
