ARLINGTON, Va. - On Friday, January 31, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is partnering with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) to host its annual Citizenship Day Workshop. The workshop is one of six AILA is offering in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. in conjunction with Citizenship Day on February 1, 2020.  

Catholic Charities' annual partnership with AILA adds to the approximately 8-10 workshops that Catholic Charities hosts each year in cooperation with the New Americans Campaign. The Catholic Charities' workshops serve an average of 250 individuals annually.

“These workshops are incredibly important to so many of the men and women we serve who need assistance navigating the naturalization process to achieve the dream of U.S. citizenship,” said Stacy Jones, attorney and program director, Hogar Immigrant Legal Services, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. “We welcome eligible Green Card holders to register for this workshop and take advantage of the exceptional legal and consultative services we are providing.”

The 2020 Citizenship Day workshop this Friday 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,
                     the American Immigration Lawyers Association,
                     and qualified applicants for U.S. citizenship.

WHEN:         Friday, January 31, 2020
                     10 a.m.-12 p.m.
                     (Applicants checked in prior to 12 p.m. will be processed.)  

WHERE:      Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington
                    Hogar Immigrant Services
                    6301 Little River Turnpike
                    Suite 300
                    Alexandria, VA 22312                       

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.