ARLINGTON, Va. - On Saturday, February 29, 2020, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is partnering with Clarendon Presbyterian Church to host a Naturalization Application Assistance Workshop. The workshop is one of approximately 8-10 that Catholic Charities hosts each year in cooperation with the New Americans Campaign. The Catholic Charities workshops assist eligible Green Card holders in their efforts to achieve the dream of U.S. citizenship and serves an average of 250 individuals annually. 

“Our recent naturalization workshops have reached capacity each month. We've seen high demand for our services in screening clients for eligibility and assisting them in navigating the complex naturalization process,” said Stacy Jones, attorney and program director, Hogar Immigrant Legal Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “We encourage interested, eligible Green Card holders to register for this workshop early, as we look to assist them in their efforts of achieving the dream of U.S. citizenship.”

The Naturalization Application Assistance Workshop this Saturday provides practical assistance to those who wish to become U.S. citizens, including consultation, application preparation and postage. The workshop is $110 per person. A list of all the documents applicants must bring is here. Individuals may call Catholic Charities at 703-534-9805, ext. 252, to pre-register as an applicant, to become a volunteer, or for more information.  

WHO:
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington,
Clarendon Presbyterian Church, and qualified
applicants for U.S. citizenship.

WHEN:
Saturday, February 29, 2020
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
(Applicants checked in prior to 12 p.m. will be processed.)

 WHERE:
Clarendon Presbyterian Church
1305 N. Jackson St.
Arlington, VA 22201      

General naturalization eligibility, as prescribed by the Immigration and Naturalization Act, includes:

• Being at least 18 years old;
• Having been a lawful permanent resident, commonly referred to as a “Green Card holder,” for five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen;
• Being physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the last five years;
• Living as a resident of the state in which the application is being filled out for a least three months;
• Having the ability to speak, read and write in English;
• Being able to pass a U.S. history and civics exam; and
• Having “good moral character” - applicants who have been convicted of certain crimes, have not paid their taxes, have not financially supported their children, have presented false information on any previous immigration applications or misrepresented themselves to any government agency, or have failed to register for the Selective Service when required, among other things, may not meet this requirement and so may not be eligible for naturalization.
  
  

For additional information, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington serves the poor and vulnerable who live within the 21 counties and seven cities of the Diocese of Arlington, which is led by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. Catholic Charities provides food for the hungry, a free medical clinic for adults including prenatal care, adoption services, transformational housing for the homeless, mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, prison ministry, workforce development, and immigration and refugee services. Catholic Charities serves all, regardless of faith.www.ccda.net.