Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Hogar Immigrant Services 
Hosts Naturalization Workshop

Fifty Individuals Attended the Workshop with Hopes of Ultimately 
Achieving the Dream of U.S. Citizenship

ARLINGTON, Va. - On Saturday, October 26, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Hogar Immigrant Services hosted a naturalization workshop to assist eligible green card holders on the path to citizenship. Fifty individuals attended Saturday's workshop which is one of approximately 10 naturalization workshops Catholic Charities hosts each year helping an average of 250 individuals.

“Our workshops help men and women working, often at great personal cost to themselves and their families, to achieve the dream of U.S. citizenship,” said Art Bennett, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “Participants walk through our doors with compelling stories of incredible courage and hope for the future. Our commitment to working with these immigrants demonstrates our respect for the dignity of each and every human person and a desire for them to flourish in our country.”

Catholic Charities staff and volunteers provided practical assistance, including consultation, application preparation and postage to those who wish to become U.S. citizens. 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 in 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 be ineligible for naturalization.

For additional information on citizenship and legal services offered by Catholic Charities Hogar Immigrant Service, please visit here.

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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 men and women, 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.