Immigration Reform news: Pro-immigrant group to help immigrants become naturalized citizens; Clinton says reform will be helpful to undocumented workers
To honor the Citizenship Month and Citizenship Day on Sept. 17, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund has declared that it will gear up for events that would help provide assistance to the millions of legal permanent residents (LPRs) who are eligible of U.S. citizenship.
The organization said statistics reveal that about half of the 8.8 million LPRs who are actually eligible for application of U.S. citizenship are Latino, and one of the reasons that keeps these people from completing the naturalization processes is because of language barriers. Another reason pointed out by the group is the lack of resources. Many of average workers cannot afford the $680 application fee, the organization said.
In a statement sent to The Latin Post, NALEO Educational Fund executive director Arturo Vargas said, "We need to break down the barriers that are keeping millions of hardworking and talented legal permanent residents from contributing fully to our nation's economy and society."
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Arturo said the organization will work hard all throughout the month to assist potential LPRs who desire nothing but to be called Americans, as well.
As part of its efforts to help the LPRs, the organization will host workshops and public events across the states to provide information, resources, and direct assistance if need be to help hasten the completion of requirements.
Meanwhile, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that immigration reform in its most sensible form will most likely be a huge help to workers as the legal working community won't have to be looked down upon just because they do not have the necessary documents to be in the United States.
According to the Des Moines Register, Clinton spoke to about 150 voters in State Sen. Liz Mathis' backyard. The former secretary of state and U.S. senator said, "If you're an undocumented worker, you can be paid less, you can be exploited, and jobs can be taken away from others."
Clinton also pointed out that the government that aims to help workers in the middle and lower brackets of society is actually safer in the hands of Democratic presidents, citing her husband, Bill Clinton, who was once known for his efforts in attacking federal debt.
