On May 17, key senators and the White House created an immigration reform proposal that would undermine families by eliminating opportunities for U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to be reunited their siblings and adult children. Severe caps on parents were also proposed. The deal would also create a new future worker visa program that restricts workers from bringing family members and denying them the right to citizenship. While the bill also included a legalization component for the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the country, it contained tremendous hurdles for them to eventually adjust their status. KAs and the broader immigrant community across the country are responding to this proposal with a series of actions and the launch of a new campaign. 

On June 6, NAKASEC, Korean Resource Center in Los Angeles, and other community organizations rallied outside the offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), urging her to dramatically shift her currently unacceptable position with regards to immigration. KRC brought more than 40 senior members from the community, many of whom are still waiting to be reunited with their families to send a clear message: Keep families together.

 

 

Dreams Across America Tour

KRC members participating in the 11th Annual Immigration Day in Sacramento, Calif.

 

During the past two months, on the heels of successfully mobilizing 400 Asian Pacific Americans to Washington, D.C. to rally for just and humane immigration reform, NAKASEC and affiliates are preparing for the national Dreams Across America Tour. It’s a public awareness campaign aimed at heightening media exposure of the stories and dreams of 100 people from all walks of life. Participating cities include Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Seattle, Toledo, and Tucson. More information about the 100 Dreamers, representing the dreams of thousands, along with the campaign can be found at www.dreamsacrossamericaonline.org.

 

 

Immigrant Day  

 

On May 20, 32 KA community members from KRC traveled to Sacramento, Calif. to participate in the 11th Annual Immigrant Day. During the event, seniors and young adults visited the offices of several senators to educate them on the needs of the Korean American community with regards to health reform, immigration policy and language access in public health benefits. Due to the efforts of more than 400 immigrant California residents, funding for the Naturalization Service Program increased from $3 million to $5 million. The Korean American community will work to improve the quality of life for all immigrant communities in California.

 

 

Workers Receive Unpaid Wages

 

The Korean Worker’s Rights Project, a joint project of YKASEC and the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), represented two Korean American construction workers who did not receive their wages. Through legal action, the workers won a settlement, receiving unpaid wages and also spread-of-hours in the amount of $7,500.

 

 

 

Quick Updates

 

With a grant from the United Way, YKASEC joined other organizations to operate the NYC Works Program, designed to address unemployment and underemployment in the community. Through these programs, 257 community members were served and of these, 120 people were able to find employment.