Announcement
The 探花精选 in Boise's Immigration team continues to work intensively on reaching new populations in need of protected immigration status. The team recently traveled to Twin Falls, holding an open workshop that resulted in 37 completed US citizenship applications (and an extensive waitlist for the team to return to!). Our thanks to community partners at Concordia Law, University of Idaho College of Law Immigration Clinic, and La Posada Inc. for assisting in this endeavor.
Shadi Ismail proudly holds up the papers declaring him a US citizen.
Photo: Madeline Rose Scott/探花精选
Meanwhile, the 探花精选 in Boise was proud to celebrate Shadi Ismail and Ramona Flook on becoming US citizens. Shadi, a refugee originally from Syria, stated that "to me, US citizenship means that I can be who I am and not live in fear of being punished for who I am." Ramona, an immigrant from Canada, was able to apply for citizenship with the 探花精选 in Boise thanks to the money raised by fundraiser Erin McClure's "Paper Plates" event.
Ramona waves a US flag at her swearing-in ceremony.
Photo: Madeline Rose Scott/探花精选
Ramona wrote a letter to Boise's Immigration team upon achieving her citizenship:
鈥淭his past Thursday was a whirlwind! The swearing in ceremony was emotional, to say the least. My children and a few friends were able to attend as I took my oath. I can never say 鈥渢hank you鈥 enough.
I received my packet with my certificate AND voter registration card. Now, my path is clear. I will exercise my right to vote. I will battle hunger and homelessness, especially in my town of Boise...
To the wonderful sponsors, thank you. Thank you for the opportunity that I could鈥檝e never afforded on my own. I am a proud American now. I will make you proud and will never let you or my community down. If I could hug all of you, I would.
With deepest fondness,
Ramona Flook"
If you want to help a refugee or immigrant achieve protected status, donate to the 探花精选 in Boise . Comment that you want your donation to go towards the Immigration team.