According to a 2010 study, it is estimated that 8.16 million lawful permanent residents across the country are eligible to naturalize as U.S. citizens, and many more become eligible each year. As immigrants’ rights organizations continue to promote the economic and social benefits of U.S. citizenship, they have also assessed the reasons why eligible applicants do not naturalize, including filing fees, English and civics requirements, and other barriers. Many organizations are focusing their efforts on increasing access to naturalization by creating applicant-friendly resources, promoting the fee waiver application process, and calling attention to special exceptions and exemptions for seniors and long term permanent residents, individuals with disabilities, military applicants, and other special groups. We want to alert you to resources on naturalization.
The “Library” contains:
- A policy paper with recommendations on how to improve the naturalization process to increase access
- A comprehensive library on naturalization, which includes folders on special applicant groups.
Upcoming Trainings and Webinars:
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINC) is offering a free webinar, “Strategies for Naturalizing the Most Vulnerable Applicants,” on September 12, 2011. This webinar will discuss key strategies for helping vulnerable applicants to overcome barriers in the naturalization process. To register for this webinar, visit here.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is offering an audio seminar, “Strategies for Success in Problematic Naturalization Cases,” on September 22, 2011. For more information and to register for this seminar, visit here.
Other resources on naturalization:
Catholic Legal Immigration Network
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) offers “Citizenship for Us: A Handbook on Naturalization & Citizenship,” a comprehensive guide to the naturalization process that provides detailed information on citizenship eligibility, requirements, and benefits and a step-by-step explanation of the N-400, Here.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) offers resources, including a naturalization fee waiver packet, to promote and increase access to naturalization Here.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides the Citizenship Resource Center, which includes resources for teachers, organizations, and naturalization applicants, Here.
