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

Assists Eligible Green Card Holders in Achieving the Dream of U.S. Citizenship

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

Catholic Charities staff and volunteers will provide practical assistance, including consultation, application preparation and postage to those who wish to become U.S. citizens. The workshop costs $110 and attendees must bring a personal check or money order payable to the “US Department of Homeland Security” for $725. Attendees with low income may quality for a reduced fee and should bring a benefits award letter or last year's tax return. A list of all the documents applicants must bring is here. Interested 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.  

WHAT:          Naturalization Workshop

WHO:           Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington Hogar Immigrant Services

WHEN:         Saturday, October 26, 2019
                     10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
                     (Applicants checked in prior to 12 p.m. will be processed.)

WHERE:      Arlington Mill Community Center
                    909 S. Dinwiddie St.
                    Arlington, VA  22204             

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.