SOMERVILLE – Building on the success of the campaign’s previous effort which helped set a record for the total number of naturalizations in 2008, Centro Presente will help advance the historic ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía! (Now is the time: Citizenship!) campaign by hosting a naturalization workshop on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The workshop is open to all, and eligible applicants can receive assistance with completing the form, photos, and some legal assistance.
As a partner in the ya es hora campaign, Centro Presente joins with the Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), NALEO Educational Fund, National Council of La Raza, Entravision Communications, impreMedia, Univision Communications Inc., the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and hundreds of community organizations, businesses and public and private agencies in efforts to reach the 8.25 million legal permanent residents still eligible to naturalize. The campaign includes an integrated multi-media strategy, complemented by the work of local community organizations around the country, such as Centro Presente, in collaboration with Agencia Alpha, La Alianza Hispana, CORES, the Dominican Development Center, EBECC, Human Rights Campaign, MIRA, the Irish Immigration Center, Proyecto Hondureño, the Salvadoran Consulate of Boston, SEIU Local 615, and the Somerville Community Corporation.
The campaign partners will continue promoting citizenship and providing services throughout the year, but will hold a coordinated national effort in 2010, starting with workshops in celebration of the National Citizenship Day of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a national partner of the ya es hora campaign.
«The community understands that as citizens, people can help to shape the future of this country,» said Patricia Montes, Executive Director of Centro Presente. «As a campaign partner, Centro Presente can play an important role in providing assistance and information about the process of naturalization and make the process accessible for people,» she concluded.
To apply, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a legal permanent resident for at least five years (3-Years if married to U.S. Citizen).
- Be able to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, and have basic knowledge of U.S. History and government.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
Applicants must bring their permanent residency card, Social Security card, state identification and any other supporting documents such as marriage or divorce certificates, as well as any pertinent court documents.
The workshop will take place from 1pm – 4pm at Centro Presente, 17 Inner Belt Rd, Somerville, MA 02143. For more information, applicants may call 617-629-47 31
