Arab American Family Services was proud to be part of the ICCIR’s 4th Annual Immigrant Integration Summit and Citizenship Workshop that was held on Saturday, January 31st at Daley College.
Community members from all over the state were on hand for workshops on Administrative Relief, Deportation Defense, Health Care, the State Budget and others issues. With a new Governor and a Mayoral election in Chicago, there was also an opportunity to make our voices heard by assembled political leaders on these issues.
AAFS representatives were on hand discussing the important issues of immigration and healthcare. Our immigration coordinator, Rima Najia was there to assist those who are striving to become United States citizens. Potential applicants were able to complete the screening process that would determine if they are able to potentially apply for citizenship. They were also able to be screened to see if they qualify for a fee waiver of $680, the cost of the application. Legal representatives were on hand to offer advice and assistance.
We were pleased to have Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner on hand to hear our issues and concerns. Out of all the wonderful events that took place at the immigration summit, one story touched the heart of the attendees.
AAFS client Bushra Oubaid was able to tell her immigration success story and discuss the exceptional help she received from AAFS.
Oubaid is originally from Syria. Following the outbreak of war, she was surrounded by destruction everywhere she looked. There was no transportation, basic necessities including clean water and electricity were unavailable to her. And to make matters even more difficult, her four children were unable to attend school and get an education.
“When I came to America, many of my neighbors told me about Arab American Family Services and the services they offer at the organization,” Oubaid said.
“I made an appointment and was helped in every way,” she said.
Oubaid was able to apply for benefits such as medical cards, food stamps and the Energy Assistance Programs, known as CEDA. She was also able to register for English as a Second Language classes offered by AAFS.
“Above all this, the most important factor is I was able to get my U.S. Citizenship for my children,” Oubaid said. “This way, my four kids and I, while in the meantime, people in my homeland were unable to even get a new passport once their old one expired,” she said.
Oubaid credits the help of Rima Najia and former immigration caseworker, Rana Hattar for their help.
“If it wasn’t for Rima and Rana and the work that is done at AAFS, how would I be able to even live and survive in this country,” she said.
“I’m hoping that these services continue at AAFS so that they can offer help for the people who are in the same situation that I was in,” Oubaid said.
“And as a proud American citizen, I am happy to sat that for the first time in my life, I was able to practice my basic right; my right to vote,” she said.
AAFS will be hosting another immigration workshop for potential applicants on Saturday, March 21st at 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. The workshop will be held at the Bridgeview Community Center located on 7900 S. Oketo Ave. in Bridgeview. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Attendees are asked to bring in their Green Card, Social Security Card as well as another form of identification indicating residency information. For more information, please contact Rima Najia at (708) 599-2237, or via email at: rnajia@aafsil.org.
(708) 599-2237
