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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Free Classes to Help Immigrants in Puerto Rico Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens Off to a Successful Start

San Juan, Puerto Rico- Free classes to help individuals become naturalized U.S. citizens were held for the first time last night, fulfilling a pledge that Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi made to immigrants residing in Puerto Rico.

“These classes are a valuable tool for those who want to pass the examination administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the Department of Homeland Security. I am pleased that last night’s session was so well attended, and I will continue my efforts to provide this service to other interested individuals,” said the Resident Commissioner.

The purpose of the course is to give participants the information and assistance they need to pass the naturalization examination. The civics portion of that examination poses questions about American history, the U.S. system of government, principles of democracy, geography, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, among other topics.

In June, the office of the Resident Commissioner held a fair for immigrants in the Plaza of the Americas, during which it explained the process for applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizens to hundreds of people. Representatives of the Resident Commissioner’s office helped individuals complete the relevant forms and answered their questions, alongside representatives of “Welcome USA,” an organization that assists the federal government with the naturalization process.

During this fair, the Resident Commissioner pledged to organize groups of individuals to take the preparatory classes that Welcome USA offers. The Resident Commissioner’s office covered the cost of the classes for those individuals.

The first of six class sessions was conducted last night. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan University (UMET, for its Spanish-language acronym). An additional session of three classes will be offered Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., beginning on December 3rd.

Because of the great interest in this initiative, both sessions are already filled. However, the office of the Resident Commissioner has already arranged for another session in January. Those who are interested should contact the Resident Commissioner’s San Juan District Office at 787-723-6333.