As the result of support from more than 20 dedicated volunteers, 25 individuals from 10 different countries are now on the path to citizenship after attending IIBA’s Redwood City Citizenship Workshop on July 9th.
Princepreet Singh (left) and Fred Ji (right), Citizenship Workshop Volunteers
Princepreet volunteered at IIBA’s citizenship workshop through the auspices of Reed Smith, where he is a summer associate. Princepreet is currently in law school at the University of California, Davis.
Why did you volunteer with IIBA?
“Immigration law is really important to me. I am trying to figure out my career path, and immigration and hate crimes is what I went to law school for. This was a good way to get experience and figure out what I want to do in the future. I am also from a family of immigrants. We came here from India, so I definitely know how onerous this process is.”
Adane: Working Hard For What Many Of Us Take for Granted
Adane came to the U.S. from Ethiopia after winning the visa lottery. He came to IIBA’s citizenship workshop in Redwood City for help applying for citizenship. He is most excited about being able to vote and travel freely as a U.S. citizen.
What is your favorite part about living in the US?
“The independence. Being yourself. I have two jobs, and I make good money. I help my family. I go to school. I manage a restaurant and I work in a retirement home. I just finished my community college and I’m going to transfer very soon to San Jose State. If I am a U.S. citizen, I will have more opportunities. I will have more freedom.”
Photos by Shelly Erceg