by Diana Pando
On Monday March 14^th immigration advocates got a surprise visit from former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The following day, Former President Bill Clinton visited Casa Maravilla Seniors.
“Sí, se puede!” chanted The Resurrection Project’s community navigators as they gathered at La Casa Resource Center to host one of the founders of the United Farm Workers Union (UFCW), Dolores Huerta, its current President Arturo Rodriguez and Congressman Luis Gutierrez.
The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate the work of the citizenship navigators and legal permanent residents in the process of becoming naturalized U.S. citizens.
Dolores, Arturo, and the Congressman spoke on the importance of citizenship and participating in civic life.
They came together with TRP, National Partnership for New Americans, and South West Organizing Project staff and leaders to recognize the importance of their work to help people apply for citizenship, registering to and encouraging citizens to vote.
“TRP is celebrating the work of our community navigators who educate and help the community become U.S. citizens,” said Erendira Rendon, TRP’s Director of National Projects. “Nationally, we are part of the over 7,000 navigators who have been trained across the country with the National Partnership for New Americans.”
The event also included a surprise appearance by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who spoke to the audience about the importance of supporting comprehensive immigration reform.
“You are helping to create the kind of future we want in this country,” said Clinton. “All of you who are navigators who are helping and defending families stand for the very best values in the Unites States of America.”
“The community navigators are important because the purpose is to help 8.8 million permanent residents become citizens and vote in the next election in November,” said Congressman Luis Gutiérrez.
The Resurrection Project is increasing their immigration advocacy and citizenship workshops you can log on to www.resurrectionproject.org to learn more about these important programs.
The following day, senior citizens from Casa Maravilla gathered for their weekly social luncheon and were treated to a visit by the 42^nd President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton.
Raul Raymundo, TRP’s CEO, welcomed everyone to the luncheon before and introduced President Clinton to the delighted crowd.
“I’m proud to be here and thank you all for welcoming me here,” said former President Bill Clinton.
The Former President also spoke on immigration reform and the importance of breaking down barriers and not building walls. After he spoke, the attendees applauded and rooted loudly.
The Former President made his way from table to table to meet with the senior citizens and take photos with them. Dozens of guests took out their cell phones to take photos of friends, and more than a few took selfies with President Clinton.
The event was also attended by community partners and elected officials like Esther Corpuz, Executive Director of Alivio Medical Center, Sue Vega, The City of Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, Congressman Gutierrez and Alderman Daniel Solis, of the 25^th Ward.
The Resurrection Project’s next citizenship workshop will take place on Saturday, March 19th at Orozco Academy in Pilsen.
About Casa Maravilla
The Resurrection Project’s Casa Maravilla located at 2012 South Morgan Street is an affordable rental building completed in 2010. It features a variety of green building technologies, and is among Chicago’s first residential buildings and low income housing tax credit buildings to utilize an environmentally-friendly geothermal heating system, which draws on the earth’s steady, natural temperature to both warm and cool the building. Learn more…