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This is a call to action for all immigrants during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. An estimated 9 million immigrants are currently eligible for U.S. citizenship, 2.5 million of whom belong to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. It is more important than ever that we come together and empower our communities by becoming citizens. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is launching a new digital campaign urging all eligible AAPI immigrants to take the plunge and become citizens!

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, a new digital campaign calls on all eligible Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants to naturalize. The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is the immigration advocacy organization behind the campaign in partnership with another nonprofit, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote. The effort is focused on raising awareness about the importance of citizenship and the many benefits that come with it, such as the right to vote, run for office, and participate fully in civic life. For too long, the AAPI community has been underrepresented in the political process, and NPNA believes that increasing citizenship rates among AAPIs will help change that. With nearly 9 million people eligible for citizenship nationwide, the AAPI community has the potential to make a significant impact on the country’s immigration policy. NPNA is urging all eligible AAPIs to take advantage of their right to become U.S. citizens and help shape the future of America.

The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is the immigration advocacy organization behind the campaign in partnership with another nonprofit, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote. “Naturalization affirms our shared values as Americans, but it also empowers AAPI citizens to participate in our democracy fully,” said NPNA Co-Director Gustavo Torres in a statement. “We urge all eligible AAPI immigrants to take this important step.” The digital campaign includes a website with resources on the naturalization process and personal testimonials from AAPI immigrants who have already naturalized. “Citizenship is not only a paper process,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director of Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council, in a statement, “[i]t’s about being part of a community that stands up for you.”

What are the benefits of citizenship? Why is it important for AAPIs to become citizens?

The benefits of U.S. citizenship are numerous, but some of the most significant ones include the right to vote, run for office, and participate fully in civic life. For too long, the AAPI community has been underrepresented in the political process, and NPNA believes that increasing citizenship rates among AAPIs will help change that. With nearly nine million people eligible for citizenship nationwide, the AAPI community has the potential to make a significant impact on the country’s immigration policy. In addition to having a say in how our country is run, U.S. citizens also enjoy certain protections that non-citizens do not, such as the right to a fair trial and freedom from deportation. Citizenship also allows immigrants to access government benefits and services, such as healthcare and education, that can help them to improve their lives and reach their full potential.

NPNA is urging all eligible AAPIs to take advantage of their right to become U.S. citizens and help shape the future of America. Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important way to participate in our democracy, but it is also a way to protect yourself and your family. If you are an AAPI immigrant eligible for citizenship, we urge you to take action today and schedule a consultation with us!

Visit the Direct U.S. Immigration website for more information on how to naturalize, or talk to an immigration attorney about your options. Together, we can make a difference.