MICHIGAN — An unprecedented effort to help legal permanent residents become U.S. citizens is underway in Detroit, bringing together immigrant service providers, local government, faith leaders and community organizations. 

This unique collaboration serves as the Detroit arm of the national New Americans Campaign. It not only provides free application assistance to guide eligible immigrants through the daunting process, but also offers free English and civics classes to foster knowledgeable and engaged citizens.

On September 28, the group will host a Mega-Citizenship-Workshop at the St. Augustine Lutheran Church in Troy for up to a hundred LPRs.  The workshop will include free application assistance, legal expertise, fee waiver support and other resources. Interested applicants can register online.

More than 8.5 million immigrants currently living in the U.S. qualify for citizenship, yet only 8% of them become citizens each year. They face a range of barriers, including high application fees, English language and civics test requirements, and a complex citizenship process that can take up to two years to complete. Some also fall victim to exploitative notaries who take advantage of individuals seeking legal assistance. 

For more on the New Americans Campaign, visit www.newamericanscampaign.org.