250 Staffers and Volunteers Helped Permanent Residents Complete Their Citizenship Applications at John Jay College on Saturday; CUNY Citizenship Now!, the Country’s Largest Free Legal Immigration Assistance Initiative, Offers Support From Initial Application to Final Ceremony

As demand for trusted immigration legal services continues to grow, nearly 300 green card holders received free assistance with their naturalization applications at CUNY Citizenship Now!’s annual Spring Citizenship Drive on Saturday, May 16. Supported by 250 staff and volunteers, the event helped eligible immigrants navigate the citizenship process with legal guidance spanning every stage. Participants left with completed application packets ready for submission and the reassurance that CUNY Citizenship Now! will continue supporting them through the final swearing-in ceremony.

“For decades, CUNY Citizenship Now! has expanded access to trusted immigration guidance and essential support services for immigrant New Yorkers, reflecting CUNY’s longstanding commitment to opportunity, inclusion and public service,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “We are proud to sponsor this annual initiative and remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering and uplifting the communities we serve.”

Organized in partnership with Univision Nueva York and held at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan, the event provided hands-on support to complete the N-400 application, assess eligibility for a fee waiver or a reduced filing fee and identify required documentation based on each participant’s circumstances. Staff and volunteers helped in Spanish, French, Italian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Urdu, Haitian Creole and Arabic, reflecting the diversity of those served.

Additionally, tabling organizations provided participants with important information on topics like citizenship test preparation classes, health insurance, consumer and worker rights and resources for new Americans, among others.

“As a naturalized citizen, I know firsthand that pursuing U.S. citizenship is a milestone many green card holders dream of for years. At a moment when fear and uncertainty could delay that dream, choosing to move forward is an act of courage. I commend all 273 applicants who came out — who are standing firm, pushing past uncertainty and claiming their place. This decision moves their futures forward and strengthens our nation,” said Monique Francis, executive director of CUNY Citizenship Now!. “Since I went through the process of becoming a citizen, I understand firsthand what applying for citizenship means for the applicants who attend our events, and ensuring they get this assistance free of cost makes it even more meaningful.”

“At TelevisaUnivision, serving our community is more than a responsibility it is our purpose. Our annual citizenship drive in partnership with The City University of New York reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering the communities we proudly serve by providing access to trusted resources, guidance, and support,” said Roberto Yañez, senior vice president, content strategy & operations, TelevisaUnivision. “Together, we are helping create greater opportunity, stronger civic engagement, and a brighter future for generations to come.”

“CUNY Citizenship Now! is a testament to New York City’s history as a beacon of opportunity for immigrants who come here from around the world, and sends a loud message: we want you here,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. “Attendees navigating the citizenship process send the loudest message, however, defying hostility from the Trump Administration by deciding to pursue what is perhaps the most American undertaking one can pursue. I am proud to represent a city that welcomes immigrants into our communities, and I am proud our public university system can provide this unique civic service.”

“CUNY’s Citizenship Now! drive represents the very best of New York in providing free legal assistance to hundreds of green card holders as they take the important step toward becoming citizens,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “Immigrants are integral to the fabric of Manhattan and our city, and I wish every applicant success in the naturalization process. I’m deeply grateful to the volunteers, advocates, and the entire CUNY Citizenship Now! team for their dedication and for making this annual citizenship drive possible.”

“New York green card holders should not be forced to face uncertainty and scrutiny associated with their status simply because they cannot afford legal support,” said New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. “As the largest university-based legal assistance program in the country, CUNY Citizenship Now! is making a meaningful impact by providing life-changing legal services to our communities free of charge. I’m honored to join the Citizenship Drive this year, which has helped hundreds of green card holders secure their naturalization papers.”

“Breaking down the financial and logistical barriers to obtain citizenship can change a family’s life. Each year, the CUNY Spring Annual Citizenship Drive brings together volunteers and legal service providers that help to do exactly that and support hundreds of New Yorkers on their path to citizenship,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “CUNY Citizenship Now!’s year-round work is invaluable, and we are grateful for all of their efforts.”

“I was moved seeing hundreds of people come to CUNY’s Spring Citizenship Drive to take this final step toward citizenship,” said New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “In just one day, attendees were able to complete citizenship applications, receive trusted legal assistance in multiple languages, and often qualify for reduced or waived fees. The attorneys, volunteers, and staff were terrific. Events like this make a real difference because people leave with a clearer path forward and the opportunity to fully participate in the civic life of our city. Congratulations to Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, CUNY Citizenship Now!, and everyone involved.”

“Thank you to CUNY, their partners, and all of the volunteers who came together to once again make this event a stellar success,” said New York City Council Member Justin E. Sanchez. “Their work today and over the last 29 has shaped our city by creating a safe and well-guided pathway for immigrant families whose values strengthen the social fabric of New York.”

The Spring Drive was sponsored by the following prominent nonprofits, law firms and government agencies: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) NY Chapter; Bloomberg L.P.; CUNY School of Law; DC37 Municipal Employees Legal Services; Dominicanos USA (DUSA); Fragomen; Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP; Hispanic Federation; Immigrant ARC; John Jay College of Criminal Justice; McDermott Will & Schulte; NALEO Educational Fund; New Americans Campaign (NAC); New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO (NYCLC, AFL-CIO); New York City Council; NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA); NY State Office for New Americans (ONA); and One Percent for America (OPA).

Since its founding in 1997, CUNY Citizenship Now!, the nation’s largest university-based immigration law program, has helped more than 240,000 people with consultations and applications for benefits such as citizenship, green cards, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and employment authorization. All services are free and open to the public regardless of CUNY affiliation. CUNY Citizenship Now! is also a national leader in utilizing volunteers in large-scale events: The program has completed more naturalization applications than any other provider in New York City in the last 29 years.

Citizenship Now! holds Saturday citizenship events monthly during the academic year and offers one-on-one appointments. Those interested in learning more about its services may call 646-664-9400 or 212-652-2071, or visit cuny.edu/citizenship.