(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Seven courageous undocumented Korean American New Yorkers joined 500 fellow DREAMers, parents and allies in a national demonstration to push the House of Representatives to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Participants are members of the MinKwon Center for Community Action’s undocumented youth group KORE (Korean Americans Organizing for Reform and Equality). Organized by United We DREAM, the event kicked-off with a mock Naturalization Ceremony to highlight the need for a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million aspiring Americans hours ahead of a close-door meeting of the House Republican Caucus on immigration.
“My family has been undocumented and fearful of deportation for almost two decades,” said KORE member Angie Kim. “We have experienced three generations of strain, broken relationships and nightmares because of this outdated immigration system. Although my U.S. citizen grandparents petitioned for us, the family visa backlogs were so long that they both passed away before we could adjust our status. Each day comprehensive immigration reform is delayed, a family is torn apart. Republicans like to present themselves as the party of strong family values. Today they will be put to the test.”
KORE member Jung Rae Jang said, “I stand here at our nation’s capitol to demand House Republicans to deliver immigration reform without any more compromises that hurt our families and communities. I have always considered myself an American, pledging allegiance to the flag alongside my classmates in school. Today’s Naturalization Ceremony symbolizes the only thing that divided me from my peers – a piece of paper. We need citizenship now!”
KORE was formed in the fall of 2012 by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants seeking legal services at the MinKwon Center. KORE members aim to raise awareness about the struggles of undocumented Korean Americans and to build a grassroots movement to push for humane immigration reform.
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.
