Citizenship workshop planned in Norwalk

NORWALK - Rep. Linda Sanchez is hosting a citizen workshop March 23 where legal U.S. residents can receive free help on their naturalization application.The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Norwalk Church of Nazarene, 15000 Studebaker Rd. Attorneys will be available for no-cost consultations on a first-come, first-serve basis. To attend the workshop, residents must be at least 18 and a legal U.S. resident for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Participants must also demonstrate a basic ability to read, write and speak English; have basic knowledge of U.S. history, government and civic principles; have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the last five years; and have "good moral character". While the workshop is free, the naturalization application is $595, plus $85 for fingerprints. Fee waivers are available. Residents attending the workshop should bring their permanent resident card, birth certificate, marriage or divorce certificate, California ID or driver's license, passport, selective service regulation number and two passport-sized photos. RSVP is required by calling (562) 267-9715. Sanchez met with President Obama in late January to discuss a comprehensive immigration reform plan. "Our country was built on a great tradition of diversity that allows everyone the opportunity for success," Sanchez said. "We should allow those people, who work hard and abide by our laws, the opportunity to educate themselves and help our great nation prosper and grow."

********** Published: March 7, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 47