By Sharon Murra-Kapon/south news editor
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service announced a fee increase on all immigration forms including the citizenship application for next month, but applicants can get help this weekend before the fees rise.
Proyecto Inmigrante ICS, Inc., a non-profit organization, along with TCC, Univision KUVN 23, Univision Radio and Casa del Inmigrante Fort Worth will sponsor the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials citizenship workshop on South Campus Saturday, March 3, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fort Worth U.S. Citizenship Workshop is design to help all eligible legal residents review and complete all the proper applications to obtain citizenship in the United States.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and be legal permanent residents for at least five years. People who married U.S. citizens must be legal permanent residents for at least three years. In addition, the applicant must have basic knowledge of the U.S. government and history, must be able to read, write and understand elementary English and have a good moral character and background.
The service will include the completion and review of the N-400, passport photographs and money order service. However, applicants will be responsible for the application and biometrics fee of $400.
“ We encourage the immigrant community of Tarrant County who has the legal resident status to apply for citizenship before the fees increase so they can take advantage of the benefits,” Douglas Interiano, executive director of Proyecto Inmigrante ICS Inc., said.
The increase will be approximately 50-60 percent although Congress is waiting for the bill to be approved.
Interiano said many people meet the requirements, and the workshop can help them get there before it becomes financially harder.
“ We want to expose these future citizens to our campus so that, as they gain their citizenship, they will be inspired to start or continue their education,” Juan Garcia, vice president for student development services on South Campus, said.
“ We want the immigrant community to see that we are a welcoming campus,” he said. “This country offers many opportunities and we want to share with them the educational opportunities at TCC South Campus.”
Among the volunteers, immigration specialist attorneys including Jamie Barron, Jack Cameron, Raul Cañez and Jack W. Naranjo from Dallas will offer their time and knowledge to answer questions regarding the applicant’s cases.
The workshop doors are opened for any one who would like to help.
For more information on the workshop or to volunteer, call Proyecto Inmigrante ICS, Inc. at 817-922-0280.
