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Maria E. Cruz, Citizenship Program Client “I can’t wait to become a US citizen so that I can vote for the government officials and continue my education to contribute back to the society.” |
Helping immigrants become US citizens and participate fully in civic life; providing legal aids to those unheard voices
CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
HFA Citizenship Program was established in 1996 to assist immigrants to obtain citizenship by helping them fill out applications, submit fingerprints, and escort them to the interviews for interpretation services. HFA also offers preparatory classes specifically geared to those who are planning on taking the citizenship test. Classes are held both at the Chicago and Suburban Office.
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
HFA has been offering diverse assistances at a minimal fee set by the state government as a service provider registered at Illinois Attorney General’s Office since 2005. In August 2011, the agency became a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) Accredited Agency. BIA is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. Legal and Immigration staff at Hanul are now accredited to practice immigration law and offer extended immigration services at standard rate, which is still much cheaper than private attorneys. Immigration services include, but not limited to, interpretation and translation of immigration notices; gathering, maintaining, and completing evidences or supporting documents completion of immigration petitions and applications; case progress check and follow-up; and referrals to immigration attorneys.
CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The elderly are often targeted as easy victim of crime. In an effort to protect Korean elderly, Hanul becomes an effective advocate for limited-English speaking Korean victims, survivors, witnesses and their families by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate individual victim assistance. The program also teaches Korean elderly protective techniques and preventative measures. The elderly are also informed about and referred to the appropriate legal system; in an event they are victimized.
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
The high attorney fees are imposing a heavy burden on immigrants who can’t afford the high costs in addition to the skyrocketing immigration fees. In collaboration with volunteer attorneys and nonprofit legal organization, free legal counseling sessions are held on every third Wednesday of each month at our Suburban Office.
CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICE'S SUBURBAN OUTREACH SERVICE
In an effort to provide more convenient access for Korean Consulate General Office’s programs and services to Koreans residing in the Northern Suburbs, our Suburban Office has been selected as the suburban outreach facility to be used by staff from the Consulate General’s Office twice a month. Services are provided every 1st and 3rd Mondays from 2pm to 4pm. Services provided include:
• Korean Visa and Passport
• Military Registry
• Family Relations Registry
• J-1 Visa
• Voters Registry
Volunteers are precious assets to Hanul as they can help our staff to accelerate the office work and/or direct services to our clients.
Visit our updated Community Message Board to view the most recent Program information and Media such as Press Releases, Hanul in the news, etc..