Rutgers Undergrad Reflects on CR Newark Experience

Citizenship Rutgers-Newark

Written by Jordan Wiley

At Citizenship Rutgers Newark the essence of the university as a good citizen was on display at the Rutgers Newark Campus. The Rutgers community opened its doors to provide free assistance to current green-card holders in New Jersey seeking to become American citizens. Citizenship Rutgers, a project begun by the Eagleton Program on Immigration and Democracy in cooperation with the Rutgers Center for Migration and the Global City in Newark and the Law School in Camden brought together volunteer immigration lawyers, law students and undergraduates from all three campuses to help interested legal permanent residents apply for citizenship. Reflecting the incredible diversity of the Newark community, applicants came from Ecuador, Trinidad, Ireland, Haiti and Brazil. Sixty-five people walked out that day with the paperwork in hand to apply for citizenship.

Ron Chen volunteering at CR Newark

This was the third event Citizenship Rutgers has sponsored this semester. By pairing trained immigration law professionals with law students and undergraduate volunteers, Citizenship Rutgers aims to provide a low cost, high quality service to the people of New Jersey and the 400,000 plus green card holders who are eligible to become citizens. The organization’s goal is to put a friendly face on what can be a daunting and expensive process and bring citizenship within reach of all who qualify for it. The approach welcomes potential candidates, offers convenient services, and amends misconceptions about naturalizing in the United States. Next stop: Camden, October 29.

For more information on Citizenship Rutgers, click here.