Members of the ACDC and community partners came together on December 14 for an event announcing the organization’s awarding of a federal grant to help immigrants become U.S. citizens.
LAS VEGAS, NV — The Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) has secured $300,000 in federal funding to bolster its citizenship program, which supports permanent residents in their journey to become U.S. citizens.
The announcement was made during a special three-part event hosted by ACDC on December 14, starting with a press conference to highlight the grant and its impact on empowering immigrant communities.
“ACDC is so incredibly proud to receive the $300,000 in federal funding that will go to assist our work in helping our community get one step closer to the American Dream and become a U.S. citizen,” said Vida Lin, president and founder of ACDC.
The funding, provided through the Citizenship and Naturalization Application Services (CINAS) grant, was secured with the support of U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev). The grant will enable ACDC to expand its citizenship program, which has long been a cornerstone of its civic engagement efforts.
De’Liza Galimdi, Office of Senator Catherine Cortez Masto
“We are deeply honored to receive this federal grant, which will enable us to enhance our citizenship program and continue providing critical support to our community,” said Edelweiss Solano, ACDC Director of Family Services. “The NaturalizASIAN celebration is a way to recognize the courage and dedication of our new U.S. citizens while showcasing the vital impact of this program.”
Solano said ACDC has provided over 1,200 Nevada community members with pro bono support and assistance towards naturalization since 2018.
The program offers personalized support to immigrants, including assistance with naturalization applications, preparation for citizenship tests and interviews, and access to educational resources designed to help them navigate the naturalization process with confidence.
During the press conference, attendees heard from individuals who have benefited from ACDC’s citizenship program, including Marichi Robeniol, a newly naturalized citizen originally from Pasay, Philippines.
Robeniol shared her inspiring journey from the Philippines to the United States, which was marked by financial challenges and personal resilience. Sponsored by her son, she achieved U.S. citizenship and has since become deeply involved in her community.
“I wanted to have a voice in the political process. Being a green card holder did not allow me to vote and I wanted to be an active participant in voting,” Robeniol said. Now, as a citizen, she actively shares information about ACDC’s resources with other immigrants.
The event also spotlighted the story of Hue Nhan Nguyen, a recently naturalized U.S. citizen from Vietnam, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of those supported by ACDC’s program.
Following the press conference, ACDC hosted a celebration for recently naturalized clients, honoring their achievements and welcoming them into the U.S. civic community. The final segment of the event included a citizenship clinic, offering vital legal assistance and resources for aspiring citizens.
With this federal funding, ACDC is poised to deepen its impact, empowering more immigrants to achieve their American Dream through citizenship.
