Margarita Queralt Mirkil said only 35 percent of people eligible for U.S. citizenship follow through with applications.
Agency will provide free legal assistance to those interested in applying
La Comunidad Hispana (LCH) is hosting a free informational workshop for those wishing to apply to become U.S. citizens.
An information session will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3 at LCH, 731 W. Cypress St., Kennett Square. Volunteer attorneys will be available to answer questions regarding eligibility and application requirements, said a news release from the agency.
Potential applicants will be screened for eligibility and scheduled for a time to fill out the application with a volunteer attorney or law student on Saturday, April 20, starting at 10 a.m., the release said. For more information, contact LCH at (610) 444-7550, ext. 235.
“Recent studies show that only 35 percent of eligible persons apply for citizenship,” said Margarita Queralt Mirkil, president and chief executive officer of LCH. “Some of the reasons that people don’t apply include they don’t know how or are scared. Our program at LCH will help those who qualify to become citizens.”
These free outreach events are coordinated by the American Immigration Lawyers Association and hosted by La Comunidad Hispana, as well as other agencies in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Lehigh counties. The coordination of these events occurs in conjunction with LCH’s Legal Assistance program, which provides free legal assistance to the community at LCH every Thursday beginning at 10 a.m., which is by appointment only.
La Comunidad Hispana was established in 1973 as a community-based nonprofit organization to empower immigrants and low-income residents in Chester County to stay healthy, build strong families and lead productive, fulfilling lives. For more information, go to www.lacomunidadhispana.org or call 610-444-7550, ext. 242.
