Carlos Slim’s Foundation Steps Up Efforts to Help Mexicans Become U.S. Citizens Dolia Estevez - Forbes
go to original September 21, 2017

Trump’s DACA Decision Has Dreamers Unsure of Their Futures (VICE News)

The Carlos Slim Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú, along with Mexico's National Autonomous University, known as UNAM, and the country’s Commission on Human Rights, ramped up joint efforts to help millions of Mexicans living in the United States become U.S. citizens. The Foundation estimates that there are 3.7 million permanent residents from Mexico eligible for U.S. citizenship.

"Becoming a U.S. citizen brings many benefits, most prominently assurances against deportation… access to better jobs and wages, education and scholarships. Becoming a citizen helps guarantee that Mexicans' human rights will be respected," the Foundation said in a joint statement.

The lack of information creates the perception that naturalization is not possible, the Foundation said. Through Acceso Latino - a web platform launched three years ago to keep Latinos informed about training opportunities and their rights - the Foundation will instruct permanent residents how to apply for citizenship.

Acceso Latino offers free legal aid from pro-bono lawyers and information on loans to pay for the $700 naturalization fee.

The push for citizenship comes in the wake of President Trump's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Obama-era program allowing young people who came to the country illegally as children (after being screened) to live in the U.S. free from fear of deportation. Although legal permanent residents have not been directly been affected by Trump's policies, becoming citizens could be beneficial to them.

... With the financial support of the Carlos Slim Foundation, UNAM, Latin America's largest university, is offering free in-person information and training on how to become a U.S. citizen at its satellite campuses in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle and Tucson. Eligible residents can take courses that prepare them to navigate the U.S. citizenship process and pass the exam.

Slim, Mexico's richest person, has been critical in the past of Trump's anti-immigrant policies. In a January press conference in Mexico City, Slim addressed U.S. dependence on cheap Mexican labor. He said Mexican workers work harder and learn faster than the American workforce.

Read the rest at Forbes

Related: Universities in Mexico Prepare for Influx of DACA Students (Legal Insurrection)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!