[IMC] [Media Advisory] Continuing the American Dream: volunteers help LPRs take first step

[Megan Flowers]

*Media Advisory*
*For Immediate Release*
November 27, 2013

*Media Inquiries Contact:*
Megan Flowers, Communications Director
[217-337-1500, megan at universityymca.org]


*Continuing the American Dream*
University Y to serve legal permanent residents
at citizenship info meetings

*[Champaign-Urbana, IL]* On Friday, December 13, legal permanent residents
will have the opportunity find out what they need to do to become an
American citizen. This is the first step for applicants with permanent
residency who are seeking information about applying for citizenship or
assistance in applying for naturalization or citizenship. The meeting will
be open to the public and will be held in Spanish and in English.

*Why: *Many people believe that only undocumented immigrants are deported.
However, thousands of legal permanent residents are deported each year—in
fact, according to the American Immigration
Council<http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/ones-they-leave-behind-deportation-lawful-permanent-residents-harm-us-citizen-children>
, *10% of all people deported each year are long-term permanent residents
(LPRs).*  Many LPRs live in “mixed-status families” which include U.S.
citizen children.  When LPRs are deported, their children are deeply
affected, and families must choose between leaving the children in the U.S.
or taking them to a foreign country—effectively deporting the children as
well.

To help keep families together, the University YMCA is linking legal
permanent residents directly to the information and services they need to
successfully pursue citizenship. In partnership with The Immigration
Project, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and the
Department of Human Services, the University Y is enabling volunteers to
reach many immigrants in rural areas who would have difficulty accessing
professional legal advice without the Y's services.

*Visuals: * Local volunteers helping community members complete forms and
applications and giving free screenings and advice.

*Background:* According to the American Immigration Council, "each year the
U.S. government admits immigrants into the country as lawful permanent
residents (LPRs or green card holders) to live here permanently and work,
reunite with their families, and pursue the American dream.  Some have
parents, children, or spouses in the United States who sponsored them.
Others have been admitted to fill jobs.  Still others arrive as refugees or
asylees, fleeing persecution in their home country.  Just like U.S.
citizens, LPRs work and pay
taxes<http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/images/File/factcheck/EconomicsofImmRe-link2-12-08.pdf>.
Large numbers of them are currently serving in the U.S. military."

*When: *Friday, December 13th, 2013
Three session times: 1PM, 3:30PM, or 5:30PM

*Where: *Oscar Romero Parish Center
207 N. Wright Street, Champaign, IL
(West of the Presence Covenant Medical Center; on the corner of East Park
Street)

*Who: *The University Y is the oldest non-profit organization in Champaign
and is dedicated to engaging people in service, reflection, and action. We
develop cause-driven student leaders, partner with community members and
bring them together to address issues that impact us all.

For more information about the University Y, please visit
www.universityymca.org

[image: Inline image 1]   [image: Inline image 2]

-- 
Best,
Megan Flowers
Communications Director
University YMCA
Office: 217-337-1500
Fax: 217-337-1533
Email: megan at universityymca.org
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