As Immigrant Fears Rise, Rush to Citizenship Under Way
Posted February 13, 2017 05:00 am | Public News Service
LAUDERHILL, FL – With executive orders and deportation raids dominating the news, many immigrants now are taking steps to ensure they won't be separated from their families and lives.
Yva Darbouze was among the more than 400 people who
turned out for a free citizenship clinic and workshop
near Fort Lauderdale aimed at helping immigrants know
their rights and better understand the process.
The Haitian immigrant has been a permanent resident for
decades, and says for the first time she fears being
separated from her loved ones.
"I have family here, I have my kids are here," she
points out. "They were born here. So I'm afraid that
even though I'm a permanent resident, but I'm still
afraid that they might send me back."
Experts say on average, less than 10 percent of those
eligible for citizenship actually apply, many citing the
cost and complexity of the process.
Those who attended the workshop were able to connect
with pro bono attorneys and, in some cases, have their
citizenship fees waived.
Darbouze says she does believe that citizenship will
give her a more powerful voice in her community and
expand her employment opportunities. However, she says
right now, fear is the main motivating factor.
"I've been here for over 30 years so I never thought
about going through this process," she explains. "My
families are important to me and I don't want to be
separated from my family. "
The current fee for a naturalization application, the
process by which a permanent legal resident becomes a
U.S. citizen, is $725. However, there are waivers
available for those who meet federal income guidelines.
Image, layout, and links added by the Observer; Photo:
Florida Immigrant Coalition
This piece was reprinted by the Columbia County
Observer with permission or license. It may not be
reproduced in any form without permission or license
from the source.