Citizenship Now! is a free program

Nearly 150 Queens residents from the Ivory Coast to Israel, turned out for Citizenship Now! a free program, sponsored by Councilmember Joseph Addabbo (right) and CUNY to help people become full citizens. Throughout the three-hour event, families and individuals met with CUNY lawyers who provided free counsel on a number of issues from the particulars of filling out forms, to citizenship test prep. Among the experts was Daily News columnist Allan Wernick (left) a lawyer and chair of the City University of New York Citizenship and Immigration Project.
“Immigration is a family issue and it’s important that we keep families together so that they live free and prosper,” said Addabbo. “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. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor this event, so that we may reduce the obstacles and grow stronger as a community.”
The councilmember will retain two CUNY law students on his staff who help residents with immigration issues every Monday. Call 718-738-1111 for more information.