Hundreds get help in applying for citizenship

Hundreds of documented immigrants took their first step toward citizenship Saturday. About 130 candidates sat down with attorneys at the CUNY Citizenship Now event to help simplify what can seem like

News 12 Staff

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Dec 4, 2016, 3:33 AM

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Updated 2,846 days ago

Hundreds of documented immigrants took their first step toward citizenship Saturday.

About 130 candidates sat down with attorneys at the CUNY Citizenship Now event to help simplify what can seem like an intimidating process.

To apply for citizenship, one must be 18 years or older and have lived in the United States as a green card holder or permanent resident for five years, or three if married.

Applicants were pre-screened over the phone before coming to the event at the Tracey Towers apartments and had to bring in their green card, passport and certificates of disposition.

Once the candidates arrived, volunteers helped them fill out their applications. Although the assistance is free of charge, the application itself costs more than $600.

However, organizers say applicants can apply for a fee waiver. If they meet certain poverty guidelines, the fee can be waived and can from there begin a series of tests before they can become citizens.