MinKwonâs Response to the Trump Administrationâs Second Travel Ban
On March 6th, MinKwon expressed its opposition to the Trump Administrationâs second travel ban executive order. Co-Director James Hong stated,
âThese executive orders can be revised a thousand more times, but the intent has always been clear. The travel ban has never been about public safety. Rather, the Trump administration is using xenophobia and Islamophobia to divide the nation, discriminate against immigrants based on religion, and ignore a growing humanitarian refugee crisis.âÂ
The full statement can be read here.
Calling for Driver Licenses for All in Albany
On March 7th, MinKwon staff and community members traveled to Albany, New York, as part of the Green Light NY: Driving Together! Campaign to expand access to driverâs licenses to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. MinKwon recognizes the economic and social impact that the lack of a driverâs licenses has on our communities and will continue the fight to improve the lives of those affected by the current policies.
Standing in Solidarity with Immigrants Against Deportations
On March 9th, the MinKwon Center stood with individuals and families facing deportation at Foley Square. Due to the President's anti-immigrant policies, dozens of New Yorkers facing deportation undergo mandatory check-ins with ICE officers at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. When they enter the building, they do not know if they will be able to see their families again. MinKwon joined allied organizations, advocates, and elected officials to criticize this process.
MinKwon Joins Complaint to State Board of Elections
On March 8th, MinKwon joined a number of prominent civil rights organizations in demanding that New York Stateâs Board of Elections does more to ensure that the right to vote is safeguarded in the registration process. Namely, to address issues such as the lack of proper translation of the DMVâs online registration tool, and the fact that applications collected by the DMVâs branches are routinely failing to result in the registration of those voters.
MinKwon Rallies Against Voter Suppression in New York City
On March 19th, the MinKwon Center joined member organizations from APA VOICE: Voting and Organizing to Increase Civic Engagement, elected officials, community organizations, and advocates at Battery Park to rally for sensible election reforms - specifically, automatic voter registration and early voting, which would expand access to the ballot for all eligible New Yorkers.
Making New York City a #CITYOFREFUGE
On March 28th, in the freezing cold and rain, MinKwon joined African Communities Together and other advocates in front of Trump Tower and called for a stop to the refugee ban. In support of refugees and immigrants effected by the Trump Administrationâs anti-immigrant policies, MinKwon rallied with allies and other advocates in front of The Trump Building at 40 Wall Street.
Governor Cuomoâs âFreeâ Tuition Plan Is Exclusionary
On March 30th, MinKwonâs Angie Kim and fellow Dreamers traveled to Albany as part of the CORE campaign to address the lack of provisions for immigrant students within Governor Cuomoâs proposed Excelsior scholarship program. While the scholarship program at first glance seemed to provide a solution to college tuition hikes, a closer look reveals that the program fails to include provisions for students who are underprivileged, undocumented, and/or disabled. For example, the program disallows part-time enrollment, which is a necessity for students who must work while attending school. Additionally, undocumented students are entirely ineligible for the scholarship.
Hitting the Final Stretch for MinKwonâs Free Tax Services
Throughout March, MinKwon continued its annual free tax clinic, offering preparation services for hundreds in our community. In order to help low-income filers navigate the complicated and difficult process of filling out tax forms, MinKwonâs staff have provide bi-lingual assistance for over 300 applicants so far!
