Coalition Pushes for Immigrants to Naturalize and Vote

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles has put out a call to millions of immigrants across the state to apply to become naturalized citizens before the end of April so that they may be allowed to vote in the November elections.

Those include any immigrants living in San Bernardino County. The coalition announced their efforts Thursday.

“Immigrants and Latinos have personally felt the impact of harsh immigration laws in Arizona and across the country and they are turning their frustration into full participation in the American political process,” Jorge-Mario Cabrera, director of communications at the coalition, wrote in a news release.

There are 8.1 million immigrants who are eligible to apply for naturalization, according to Cabrera.

The group will hold a news conference April 3 at the coalition's Los Angeles office to announce more details.

“Civic and immigrant rights organizations will share information about current citizenship promotion efforts and resources available for eligible immigrants who want to naturalize and become civically engaged in their community,” Cabrera wrote. “A special website and social media campaign in English and Spanish will be announced at the press conference.”