OCA-GLA AND APALC ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF CITIZENSHIP GRANT

OCA-GLA Awards Citizenship Grant
From Left to Right: Tom Hayashi, OCA-GLA former President; Coronette and Willie Cabobos, grant recipients; Gennady Umbay, daughter of the Cabobos; and Bryant Yang, OCA-GLA President. FOR

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2010

OCA-GLA AND APALC ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF CITIZENSHIP GRANT

Willie and Coronette Cabobos will receive assistance in their pursuit of U.S. Citizenship

LOS ANGELES – OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA) chapter is proud to announce that the first recipients of the Mentored Path to Citizenship Grant are Mr. Willie S. Cabobos and Mrs. Coronette V. Cabobos.  The grant will provide the husband and wife couple with $675 to use toward application fees, as well as receiving legal assistance from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) in their pursuit of U.S. citizenship.

The Cabobos immigrated to the United States in 2004 from the Philippines, after waiting more than 23 years for their immigrant visas.  They came to America because they wanted their “children and grandchildren [to] live and enjoy the American way of life, of peace, freedom and prosperity, and to help them achieve the American dream.”  Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, Coronette Cabobos was diagnosed with glaucoma in both of her eyes.  Her disability has hampered her from finding a stable job and has affected the couple’s financial resources.  Even while they struggle, however, the Cabobos are immensely grateful to be here in the United States and for the assistance they have received from organizations like the Braille Institute, where the couple hopes to one day volunteer and give back.  They are currently residents of Panorama City.  They have been married for almost 35 years and have three children.

“Originally, we had planned to only select one individual.  After reading both Willie and Coronette’s applications, however, we could not decide between them.  Their love and commitment for each other, to their children, and to the ideals of America couldn’t be ignored or dismissed.  We are extremely happy to help the Cabobos become citizens by lowering the financial barriers that they and other deserving immigrants face,” stated Bryant Yang, OCA-GLA president.

“Applying for citizenship can be a complicated process,” said Stewart Kwoh, APALC executive director.  “APALC looks forward to assisting the Cabobos with their application to become citizens of the United States.”

In light of the rising costs to become an U.S. citizen, the Mentored Path to Citizenship Grant was created by OCA-GLA to extend resources to lessen the financial burden and to encourage worthy individuals to meet their full potential.  All interested individuals were asked to complete a written application. Applicants had to show proof of residency in Los Angeles County and demonstrate eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.

About Asian Pacific American Legal Center
The Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California (APALC) is the nation’s largest legal organization serving the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Founded in 1983, APALC is a unique organization that combines traditional legal services with civil rights advocacy and leadership development. 
www.apalc.org

About OCA-GLA
Founded in 1973, OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States.  Since its 1991 inception, the Greater Los Angeles chapter of OCA has worked with partners like APALC to assist Los Angeles residents of all backgrounds through the advancement of civic participation and promotion of civil rights. 
www.oca-gla.orgFor further questions, please contact OCA-GLA’s office at (213) 250-9888. Written inquiries may be sent to 1145 Wilshire Blvd., 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and emails may be directed to info@oca-gla.org.

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