South Asian Network to Hold Community Citizenship Clinics

 

Artesia, CA: As part of its commitment to the South Asian community, South Asian Network (SAN) is hosting a series of free citizenship workshops at local religious and community centers in the Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County areas.

At the citizenship workshop, SAN staff, local attorneys, and trained volunteers will help participants complete the Naturalization Application (N-400), determine whether they are eligible for fee-waivers, and provide legal consultations on a case-by-case basis.

“These are spaces in which South Asians in Southern California have immense trust,” said Manju Kulkarni, Executive Director of SAN. “And their congregants are individuals with whom they share common values. By serving community members at these religious institutions, we benefit and the clients benefit from the affinity felt in these spaces.”

According to a study by SAALT (South Asian Americans Leading Together), there are approximately 3.4 million South Asians in the United States. Around 45% have yet to naturalize, having not applied to gain full citizenship benefits.

“Citizenship has many benefits for South Asians,” said Saima Husain, Deputy Director at South Asian Network. “You can travel easier with a US passport, increase your annual income, and it gives you the opportunity to vote and address issues in our community, including immigration, discrimination, and unemployment.”

SAN hosts free monthly citizenship workshops at their office in Artesia the second Thursday of the month. To make an appointment call (562) 403-0488 ext. 130

General eligibility requirements to apply for citizenship include:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a permanent resident (“greencard holder”)

• Have continuously resided in the US for at least five years as a permanent resident.

For more information on SAN and their services, visit their website at www.southasiannetwork.org

 

 

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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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