City and Indiana Legal Services sponsor Citizenship and Naturalization Class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 16, 2012

For more information, please contact:

Melissa Britton, Latino Outreach Coordinator 812.349.3860, [mailto: brittonm@bloomington.in.gov]
Christie Popp, Directing Attorney, Immigrants' and Language Rights Center, Indiana Legal Services, 339.7668

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Newcomers and permanent residents can learn about becoming a United States citizen through the second annual Citizenship and Naturalization Class, which begins on Feb. 28 and ends April 5, approximately two weeks before the American Immigration Lawyers Association's Citizenship Day. The class costs $25 and meets twice weekly. The deadline to register is Feb. 22, 2012. English-language learners are welcome.

"Bloomington is a city that embraces diversity and civic engagement," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "We are proud to help our permanent residents realize their goals of achieving citizenship and are so glad they choose Bloomington as a place to call home."

Students study United States history, learn how the government functions and familiarize themselves with the Bloomington community while preparing for the naturalization exam and the process of becoming a citizen.

On Citizenship Day, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. volunteer lawyers will help permanent residents apply for citizenship at no cost, a service that normally costs several hundred dollars. Please call Indiana Legal Services at 339-7668 to make an appointment.

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About the Latino Programs and Outreach Division:

The Latino Programs & Outreach division of the City's Community and Family Resources Department serves the rapidly growing Latino immigrant population of Bloomington. The department provides support for the Spanish speaking population and serves as a liaison for different community organizations. The Latino Programs & Outreach Division strives to provide exceptional service as it promotes diversity and cultures within the population it serves.

About Indiana Legal Services:

Indiana Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people throughout the state of Indiana. ILS helps clients who are faced with legal problems that harm their ability to have such basics as food, shelter, income, medical care or personal safety. Most of the cases ILS handles are cases such as family law where there is domestic violence, housing, consumer law, immigration, access to health care, and access to government benefits. ILS does not handle any criminal matters