New Class Encourages Newcomers to Become Citizens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2011

For more information, please contact:
Christie Popp, Directing Attorney, Immigrants' and Language Rights Center, Indiana Legal Services, 339.7668
Melissa Britton, Special Projects Assistant, Safe and Civil City Division, City of Bloomington, 349.3860
Jared Schlemmer, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, [mailto:schlemmj@bloomington.in.gov]

Bloomington, IN -- The City of Bloomington and Indiana Legal Services, Inc. are partnering to create the Citizenship Preparation Course, a six-week course aimed at preparing newcomers and green card holders for a path toward citizenship. The class will cover the fundamentals of U.S. history, citizen rights and responsibilities, and basic concepts in American democracy. English-language learners are encouraged to register.

"Learning to become a good citizen is a fundamental part of naturalizing to this country, and this program will give students an opportunity to prepare for that next big step," said Melissa Britton, Special Projects Assistant with the City of Bloomington Safe and Civil City Program. "We're excited to offer this program and we hope newcomers and permanent residents will sign up."

At the conclusion of the class, all eligible students and community members are invited to attend Citizenship Day on April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Indiana Legal Services, 214 S. College Avenue Lawyers, will be offering free legal advice and preparation of the naturalization application, a service that normally costs, at a minimum, hundreds of dollars.

"Citizenship day will help those who are eligible to naturalize to receive personal attention, including advice and help preparing immigration forms, from volunteer attorneys, as they assist you to become a United States Citizen," said Christie Popp, Directing Attorney at the Immigrants' and Language Rights Center of Indiana Legal Services.

The deadline to register for the Citizenship Preparation Course is March 11. The registration fee is $25. For more information please contact Britton at 349-3860 or [mailto:brittonm@bloomington.in.gov]. A limited number of scholarships are available to those who are income eligible.

###