One Napa Valley Initiative
In 2013, we launched the One Napa Valley Initiative to provide immigrant legal services and pathways for local immigrants to become fully engaged in Napa Valley’s future.
“My whole life has been here, I’ve been working, and paying taxes, my sons have grown up here.
I pursued citizenship because I have given so much to this country, and I feel that my vote was going to impact not just me personally, but my community, my children. Voting was one of the first things I did after I became a citizen, and I was so proud.”
Maria Pantoja, ONVI participant & volunteer
Napa residents and workers have been sworn in as U.S. Citizens
people have received free legal consultations for citizenship or other immigration benefits
in grants since 2013
Recent News
Since its launch in 2013, our One Napa Valley Initiative (ONVI) has profoundly transformed the Napa Valley community, turning the dream of U.S. citizenship into a tangible reality for thousands. Spearheaded by Napa Valley Community Foundation, this program is a testament to the power of collaboration among four key nonprofit partners: Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, On the Move, Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center, and UpValley Family Centers. Together, these organizations have crafted a seamless approach to navigating the complexities of naturalization.
More than 2,388 hardworking community members have gained citizenship through ONVI, and with a remarkable success rate of 98 percent, the collaborative approach to assisting lawful permanent residents (also known as “green card” holders) in becoming U.S. citizens is a model for other communities.
Transforming Dreams into Citizenship: The Success of the One Napa Valley InitiativeThe 2012 Study
When our 2012 immigration study revealed that Napa County has 9,000 citizenship-eligible Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), aka Green Card holders, but many were not taking the important step towards achieving citizenship due to an absence of a robust legal services infrastructure, we launched the One Napa Valley Initiative (ONVI), a campaign to create new citizens and a stronger community.
Our One Napa Valley Initiative Partners:
Immigration Institute of the Bay Area
One the Move’s Neighborhood Initiative
Get Involved
In these times of uncertainty regarding immigration policy, securing funding for citizenship is more urgent than ever.
Your gift provides Napa County residents legal support throughout their citizenship journey as well as access to other important legal immigration services.
Additionally, consider becoming a volunteer to support our program. To find out how you can get involved, please contact one of our locations.
Get Help
Are you, or do you know someone who needs help becoming a citizen?
Contact Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA) at 707.266.1568 or NapaInfo@iibayarea.org
“I love the immigration workshops, and helping people because my family went through the process of becoming U.S. citizens.
My father always said, ‘you don’t get where you are by yourself, people help you along the way.’ Our family was helped along the way.
I want to be there to encourage others too.”
Betty Labastida, ONVI volunteer for 12 years
