New Video Spotlights Union’s Role in Assisting Immigrants on Path to Citizenship

[New York, NY]—UNITE HERE, one of the fastest-growing labor unions in North America, proudly announces its participation in this year’s national Citizenship Day, observed annually on Sept. 17. This year, the Union joins hundreds of immigration groups nationwide in the federal observance, also referred to as Constitution Day, to advocate for and assist the nearly 9 million green card holders living in the United States who are eligible to become citizens.

Several UNITE HERE locals in cities across the United States will participate in Citizenship Day events throughout the week of Sept. 17 to Sept. 20. They are as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 17
Press Conference
Time: 12:00 p.m. (PT)
Location: 7450 Hazard Center Dr. San Diego, CA 92108

Immigration Information and Resource Fair
Time: 1:00 p.m. (PT)
Location: 986 Hilby Ave. Seaside, CA 93955

Citizenship Workshop and Celebration
Time: 3:00 p.m. (MT)
Location: 2401 N Central Ave. #100 Phoenix, AZ

Immigration Committee Kick-Off
Location: 1796 Tribute Rd # 200 Sacramento, CA 95815

Saturday, Sept. 19
Citizenship Fair
Time: 10:00 a.m. (PT)
Location: 3200 Cheyenne Blvd. Las Vegas, NV

Sunday, Sept. 20
Citizenship Fair
Time: 12:00 p.m. (ET)
Location: 305 W 44th St. New York, NY

Along with launching a website which provides resources for those looking to apply for citizenship and low-cost legal assistance, UNITE HERE has also released a new video, which highlights the stories of three immigrant workers who have benefitted tremendously from these resources. As Loews Coronado Resort housekeeper and UNITE HERE member María Isela González mentions in the video, “when one gets older here [the United States], if you go to the hospital you don’t get the same treatment as if you were a citizen.” This serves as just one example of the tremendous impact citizenship can have on the livelihoods of our immigrant sisters and brothers.

UNITE HERE, which has helped thousands of immigrants earn citizenship, is a labor union that represents 270,000 housekeepers, cooks and other workers in the hospitality industry across Canada and the United States. Past and present, immigrants have been at the center of the Union’s work to end poverty and change lives. More than 100 years ago, UNITE HERE’s founding immigrant ancestors, mostly women, led the historic bread and roses strike. In Las Vegas, our members transformed the lives of thousands gaming workers after mounting a six-year picket line at the Frontier Hotel and Casino. A decade ago, UNITE HERE led the labor movement in organizing the Immigrant Worker Freedom Ride, calling attention to the need to reform and honoring the legacy of the Civil Rights movement. Since then, UNITE HERE members have continued to carry the torch for comprehensive reform.

For more information, visit us online: www.unitehere.org and wewantyoutostay.org

Keep up with our Citizenship Day events: #CitizenshipDay