Local Immigration Attorneys Provide Free Citizenship Assistance
On Saturday, September 30, Soberalski Immigration Law joined the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Wisconsin Chapter to bring a local, free citizenship clinic with the help of volunteers and community organizations such as Voces de la Frontera. Over 30 applicants were assisted in filling out the forms for naturalization to become a United States citizen.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important decision for an immigrant and their family; it requires a demonstrated commitment to America and its values and a lot of paperwork and fees. We know many obstacles can prevent a green card holder from becoming a citizen – including not knowing where to start, not knowing what questions to ask, and not knowing where to go for answers. Each year, AILA and its members partner with organizations like NALEO Educational Fund and the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) to hold Citizenship Day events where eligible applicants can get help with their paperwork, ensure they are filing correctly, and learn what’s next in their path to citizenship. The clinics are designed to provide comprehensive assistance to immigrants wishing to take their first steps toward U.S. citizenship.
Applicants in the Attorney Review Station where they are going over their applications.
This year’s Citizenship Clinic was organized and led by Attorney Brigette Kutschma, Supervising Attorney at Soberalski Immigration Law, with the help of local immigration attorneys, law students, and community organizations such as Community Center for Immigrants and Community Immigration Law Center accounting for more than 35 volunteers. Community volunteers' great response helped make the event run smoothly and successfully. Over 60 applicants were registered before the day of the clinic and were screened by volunteers to ensure they were eligible for citizenship. On the day of the clinic, qualified applicants were helped to fill out the forms, which were reviewed by local attorneys (such as Attorney Kutschma and Attorney Soberalski). They were then allowed to package their applications to send out – all at no cost to them. At the end of every station, each applicant received a study guide to help them prepare for the naturalization test.
Successful applicant who completed his application at the Citizenship Clinic.
Aspiring citizens were counseled and guided through a process that can often be daunting, but the rewards are unmatched. An applicant who successfully went through all stations the day of the clinic and took his application home ready to be sent out, said, “These clinics are great! I could ask all the questions I had and had not been able to because I did not have access to an attorney.” Soberalski Immigration Law is so proud to organize this event and, in particular, acknowledge the incredible work of Attorney Kutschma. Thank you to everyone who participated!