This Saturday 27 in August an informative forum will be held on citizenship to help immigrants find out if they qualify, how to navigate the process, what they need to complete their application and how to obtain fee waivers.
The event will be presented by the office of the President of the State Assembly Anthony Rendón and the NALEO Educational Fund.
Many immigrants who already have legal permanent residence live in constant fear of being forcibly separated from their families and deported to their countries of origin, places to which they have not returned for years. But by becoming US citizens they have more rights and opportunities in the United States, said Claudia Botero, a spokeswoman for Assemblyman Rendon.
Botero indicated that the Latino voting is more important than ever to ensure that their voices are heard and taken into account in Washington DC Also, by being citizens, people can access benefits such as federal and state services.
For For many people, becoming a US citizen is one of the most important, unforgettable and proud moments in their lives. Sometimes it is just the lack of information and help to achieve that long-awaited American dream.
Assemblyman Rendón said that he knows from personal experience the importance of immigration in California.
“My grandparents came here from Mexico. My wife’s family came here from Southeast Asia,” Rendon said. “We know that immigrants are business innovators and they are cultural innovators, whether they come from Latin America, like Gustavo Dudamel, or from Canada, like the architect Frank Gehry. That is why I am always eager to sponsor these workshops. They help the immigrants themselves, but they also help make California an even better place to live.”
Botero said that this is a good time to become a citizen as the cost increases from time to time. .
“This year it is in $725 and there are many benefits where people can also request funds to pay for this application”, said Botero . “Many people leave this to laziness and say they have no money and every year the [citizenship] fee continues to increase.”
Some characteristics to qualify
The NALEO educational fund indicates on its website that people older than 18 years old and have lived with their legal United States residency for five years, or three years if married to a United States citizen, may begin their application.
Among the requirements for citizenship, it is requested that the applicant has been a legal resident for at least five years and has not left the United States for more than six months. You must have been physically present in the country for a total of at least 30 months.
Residents married to a US citizen are required to have the spouse be a US citizen for at least three years and have lived together for the last three years. The applicant is required not to have left the United States for more than six months, and must have been physically present for a total of at least 18 months.
The event will be held at the Lynwood Senior Citizen Center located at 11329 Ernestine Ave., Lynwood, CA 90262.
For more information or to confirm your attendance call (562) 529-3250.