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April 23,
2007
VOL.
45, NO. 8Oakland,
CA
Catholic Charities
urges citizenship
applications before fees increase
Immigration
counselors at Catholic Charities of the East Bay are urging legal immigrants
to apply for citizenship before the government fees take a major leap
in June. The current $400 per person cost is expected to increase up to
$700 and such hikes will put an additional financial burden on many immigrants
and refugees who want to become citizens, said Dominican Sister Elisabeth
Lang, director of the refugee program at CCEB.
The agency can help individuals and families with the application process,
said Roberto Lemus, an immigration counselor at CCEB’s Oakland office.
A state grant covers the agency’s fee for applicants living in Alameda
County. Applicants living in Contra Costa County are asked to pay a $75-100
handling fee.
Children under the age of 18 are covered in their parents’ citizenship
applications, but those 18 and older must apply separately.
This year, nearly 60 applicants already have received CCEB help with completing
forms and attaining necessary documents. Once the application is made
to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, it usually takes about
eight months before citizenship is granted, Lemus said.
During that time, applicants are fingerprinted, interviewed by immigration
officials and given a test on U.S. history, government and civil laws.
Applicants must be able to read, write and speak basic English.
Sister Lang said new regulations, expected this summer, will increase
the number of questions on the citizenship test and require a higher level
of English.
In working with clients, she reminds them of the values of U.S. citizenship,
including the ability to vote, apply for federal government jobs, travel
with a U.S. passport and sponsor relatives seeking to live in the U.S.
Catholic Charities has provided immigration services for the past 25 years,
helping thousands gain citizenship.
Current services are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Persons
wishing more information can contact Sister Elisabeth Lang at (510) 768-3106
or Roberto Lemus at (510) 768-3120.
