MLaw students assist local residents seeking citizenship

By Allison Hight
U-M Law

“This is something that I've wanted to do for a long time, ever since I was eligible,” said J.L., explaining why she had come to the University of Michigan Law School's Naturalization Clinic. “I’ve never felt the need before, because I always thought that I was going to go back to South Korea. But now this is my second home, and I want to feel at home.”

The Michigan Immigration and Labor Law Association (MILLA) partnered with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) to host its second-annual Naturalization Clinic, aimed at assisting local residents.
 Last year, the event brought in people from as far as Flint, Detroit, and Toledo, said 2L Jennifer Chae, founder of the clinic.

The naturalization application is complicated, and people get nervous filling it out, she explained.“I thought that the clinic was a good way to reach out to the community and make a tangible impact.”
Approximately 25 legal permanent residents were drawn to this year’s clinic.

“J.L.” filled out the application 10 years ago, but the combination of its length, complexity, and high stakes had prevented her from sending it in.

Since then, the application has grown to 21 pages, including questions regarding employment history, trips taken outside of the United States in the last five years, and applicants’ willingness to renounce allegiance to their current country of citizenship -- and can take  one to two hours to complete.

MIRC provided training for the volunteers and answered questions.  MIRC attorneys will re-check applications to ensure everything was completed correctly.The naturalization process can take anywhere from three to six months.

For more information visit www.michiganimmigrant.org?.