Lofgren and Honda Hold Major Citizenship Event

Media Contact: Kyra Jennings,
202.225.3072,
kyra.jennings@mail.house.gov

U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-16) and Mike Honda (CA-15) today held a Citizenship Orientation and Resource Fair to help eligible legal permanent residents of San Jose begin the citizenship process. The event was held in recognition of National Citizenship Day, a coordinated effort of citizenship workshops across the country to help immigrants become American citizens.

“I am delighted to see so many people excited and motivated to become American citizens,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Everyone here is joining in a shared commitment to the American values of liberty, democracy and equal opportunity. The immigrants who started on their citizenship path today are on a path of integration into American society and I wish them well on their journey.”

“As the son of a proud immigrant family, it is an honor to join today with those seeking to become part of the American family,” said Rep. Honda. “This nation owes its strength and freedom to its diversity and immigrant heritage. By embarking on the naturalization process, those gathered here today have contributed immeasurably to America’s promise. I salute them.”

At the event participants attended an orientation, providing a general overview of the citizenship process in four different languages. Immigration lawyers offered free initial screenings for citizenship eligibility and all eligible legal permanent residents were put in contact with local agencies to help them complete their naturalization application packets.

Community groups such as Services, Immigration Rights and Education Network (SIREN), Center for Employment Training (CET), Catholic Charities, and Legal Aid Society, as well as representatives from the SCC Office of Human Relations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Mexican Consulate were on hand to answer participant questions.