(LONG ISLAND, NY) On the evening of July 24th, Asian American youth took to the streets of Long Island to knock on the doors of constituents living in Congressman Peter King’s district to rally support for comprehensive immigration reform. Close to 150 households received a visit from these civically engaged, high school-aged student volunteers who are participants of MinKwon Center’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP).
“I think it was a very successful day. Most people that we talked to were in support of comprehensive reform and were receptive to our message,” said David Chung, MinKwon Center’s Youth Organizer.
Ahead of the August Congressional recess, the canvassing activities represent an escalation of MinKwon Center’s immigration reform campaign efforts that were launched in June. Residents of Long Island were asked to sign postcards and make calls to Congressman King. Many took the pledge to take action to support reform that provides a path to citizenship for the 11 million aspiring Americans and reunites families separated for decades by the long backlogs.
“This is a crucial time for immigration reform,” said MinKwon Center’s Executive Director Grace Shim. “We need to keep the momentum going and continue to push the House of Representatives to act now in a comprehensive manner that will address all the much needed fixes. We plan to be out on Long Island throughout the August recess to send this message loud and clear.”
The MinKwon Center for Community Action (formerly YKASEC) was established in 1984 to meet the needs and concerns of the Korean American community through immigrant rights and political empowerment. The MinKwon Center has emerged as a leading organization in building a sustained community for marginalized individuals, including recent immigrants, minorities, low-income residents, limited English proficient persons, elderly and youth. http://www.minkwon.org/
