At this critical time in the immigration reform debate, Asian Pacific Americans from 27 states gathered in Washington, DC from April 30 to May 1 to raise their voices for just and humane immigration reform. Organized by NAKASEC, the Korean Resource Center of Los Angeles, the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center of Chicago, YKASEC-Empowering the Korean American Community of New York and other APA organizations, this historic event brought close to 400 APAs together to build solidarity and community and to shape the debate for immigration reform.

The event kicked off with the youth-led Youth Mobilizing Session to discuss student legalization issues and bring student leaders to the table. The first day also featured Community Dialogues, a program where participants received information on the current debate and tips on how they can impact the discussions. Three highly-acclaimed documentaries were also screened during the evening. The films highlighted deportation, civil rights and civil liberties violations and student legalization issues.

The next day, about 1,000 people attended a rally in celebration of APA Heritage Month and in support of just and humane immigration reform at Taft Memorial Park. With the Capitol as the backdrop, participants were energized by the powerful Korean drumming performance and were moved by the words of Representatives Jan Schwakosky (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Mike Honda (D-CA) and NAACP Director Hilary Shelton, who stood in solidarity with immigrant communities. The rally also featured community testimonies of people hurt by the country’s broken immigration system. Throughout the day, participants made their voices heard with about 60 congressional offices to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act.

Chicago Korean Americans take part in a townhall discussion to hold elected officials accountable for advancing immigration reform.

 

 

 

Discussing Immigration Reform

 

 

Discussing Immigration Reform

On April 14, KRCC and five other community organizations conducted the first community meeting on comprehensive immigration reform with Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) at the Copernicus Foundation in Chicago. KRCC played a major role in bringing the congressman to the event. As one of the most powerful democrats in the House, Rep. Emanuel committed to working with Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and other democrats to take initiative on advancing comprehensive immigration reform. KRCC mobilized more than 80 Korean Americans, including 45 seniors, for the occasion that attracted more than 500 people.

 

 

 Empowering The Community

 

To increase political empowerment of the Korean American community in Southern California, KRC launched a free naturalization clinic campaign. In just two weeks, KRC received more than 200 calls and assisted filing citizenship applications for more than 100 community members. In addition, between May 14 through 19, KRC launched a special week for naturalization, airing numerous public service announcements in partnership with the Korea Times and Radio Seoul.