Hamkae Center (formerly Nakasec VA)

Some 25% of undocumented immigrants in Virginia come from Asian countries and primarily work in food or service industries; one-fifth live in linguistically isolated households. Community organizing is the key to change, so Hamkae Center fights for immigrant rights and a path to citizenship, expanding healthcare coverage, improving language access to publicly funded services (during the pandemic, few materials were available in a language other than English), and increasing electoral participation of Asian Americans and other communities of color. A leadership development program for youth equips them with the tools to organize and community services offer assistance with naturalization applications and Driver Privilege cards, DACA screenings and renewals, and applications for public healthcare benefits. Hamkae Center knows that racial equity is not just the absence of discrimination but the presence of values and systems that ensure fair opportunities and outcomes for all.