Calling For Immigration Reform

On June 20, NAKASEC and its affiliates held a press conference in New York to announce plans to begin organizing and educating the Korean American community on comprehensive immigration reform. Speakers included New York City Council Member John Liu, New York Immigration Coalition Deputy Director Chung-Wha Hong and YKASEC Board President Seung Jin Jung. YKASEC also announced the formation of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Network. A nationwide grassroots campaign for immigration reform is set to launch in the coming weeks.

We Are Marie

Marie Gonzalez is a 19-year-old honor student from Missouri who was facing deportation on July 5. She is just one of the 65,000 students who graduate annually from U.S. high schools who would benefit from the DREAM Act. Immigrant communities came together to announce that “We Are Marie,” bringing to light Marie’s story and other immigrant students like her who urgently need the DREAM Act to have a chance at higher education. As a result of their efforts, the Department of Homeland Security granted Marie a one-year deferment of deportation. Unfortunately, her parents are not able to stay in America with her. This is another example of how the immigration system tears families apart. The following are just some of the events that took place:

TOP: Students in New York rally for Kamal and Marie, promising students and future leaders who urgently need the DREAM Act to pass. BOTTOM: In Los Angeles, Korean American Cultural Troupe HanNuRi leads the crowd during a solidarity vigil for Marie.

New York

YKASEC and the New York State DREAM Act Task Force held a rally to bring attention to Kamal, another student facing deportation. Advocates, teachers and students expressed discontent with the immigration system taking away promising students like Kamal.

Los Angeles

KRC and NAKASEC, in conjunction with the Los Angeles DREAM Team Coalition, worked together on the Marie Gonzalez Week of Action. A press event was held that highlighted several students from Southern California who would benefit from the DREAM Act. Call-ins to Sen. Dianne Feinstein and representatives Edward Royce and Loretta Sanchez asked for support once the bill was re-introduced. A solidarity vigil for Marie brought together youth, community organizations and faith-based leaders.

Caring For Children

Currently, California helps ensure that 90 percent of all children receive health insurance. California Healthy Kids, a new piece of legislation, would provide an insurance option for the remaining 10 percent of uninsured children. KRC and other community organizations are collecting signatures in support of this bill. As of early July, close to 740 concerned KAs have signed the petition that will be sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state representatives.

Empowering Youth

The youth at KRCC always look forward to the Summer Youth Program. This year’s program, “Building Your Voice,” will include cultural workshops, college prep, career panels and issues workshops. New to the program is a multimedia component, in which the youth will produce movies and photographs of everyday life in Koreatown. Through these activities, participants will be given an opportunity to interact and engage with their community. Photographs will be sold in a silent auction in Chicago on July 28 at the program’s close.