Sen. Tick Segerblom fondly remembers his work with the nonprofit Citizenship Project of Las Vegas.

As the pro bono executive director of the Citizenship Project between 2008 and 2016, Segerblom helped thousands of immigrants fulfill their dreams of obtaining citizenship in the United States.

“We all know southern Nevada is home to many immigrants who enrich our lives, aid our economy, and contribute to the diversity of our society,” Segerblom said. “For many, the immigrant journey ends only when they become citizens and not only obtain full rights but truly become part of the American nation. To be able to help so many along that path has been so rewarding.”

The Citizenship Project was founded in 2001 under the auspices of Culinary Local 226, the local labor union that represents thousands of workers in hotels around Clark County. Many union members were (and continue to be) immigrants, and the founders saw a civic need to help them obtain citizenship in America.

As one of the only nonprofits that provides free legal assistance to immigrants navigating the naturalization process, the Citizenship Project helps families through civics classes and seeks to increase the number of immigrant families who complete the naturalization process.

Since 2001, the Citizenship Project has helped over 16,000 Nevadans become U.S. citizens. Today, it continues to help people through the entire process, from application to preparation for the citizenship exam.

“All we hear today from Trump is anti-immigrant bashing and the need to build walls,” Segerblom said. “Rather than build walls, the Citizenship Project has built bridges. There is nothing more patriotic than watching a naturalization ceremony and seeing the joy on the faces of our newest American citizens.”

It is more important than ever to spread the word about the Citizenship Project and the work it does. For more information about the Citizenship Project, call (702) 868-6002 or visit them at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030.