Public Employee Press

New citizens
with a boost from their union

Theresa Trujillo, a native of Colombia, was getting nowhere fast in her attempts to become an American citizen. She spent big bucks on lawyers who basically said that her chances of becoming a citizen were slim. “They kept telling me that I wasn’t eligible,” said the Local 1549 member, who works as a Clerical Associate 3 at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens.

She found out about DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Services at a union meeting and contacted MELS in January. By May she was on her way to becoming a citizen.
“I’m so happy with the service that DC 37 provided,” said Trujillo. “Some people think union meetings are a waste of time, but I don’t agree. I learn a lot at those meetings.”

Tapas Katari and his wife Sulekha, who come from India, are members of Brooklyn Public Library Local 1482. Already a citizen, Tapas didn’t bother with outside attorneys to help Sulekha attain citizenship. “I saw the information in the union newspaper. I called up and got an appointment right away,” said the Assistant Accountant. “I didn’t have to spend a penny, we got great service, and Sulekha became a citizen this summer.”

In August, DC 37 was handling 138 applications from members and putting them on the path to citizenship. “Sometimes they think they’re not eligible, but I tell them to take a chance,” said MELS Staff Attorney Joan Foy. “They have to be straightforward about past problems like back taxes or a criminal record.”

Citizenship Committee Chair Cuthbert Dickenson has made it a priority to encourage union members to take advantage of the services provided by DC 37 and apply for citizenship.

“It’s more critical now with a presidential election coming soon,” said Dickenson, who is also president of Local 374. “We want our members to be able to flex their political muscles come election time.”

—Alfredo Alvarado