San Francisco (KGO) – More than 14,000 people have become American citizens in San Francisco in the last 12 years.
“For every new citizen here today: you make this city stronger. And for all our partners who work on paths to citizenship, thank you,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie van San Francisco.
On the stairs of the town hall, many on Wednesday celebrated the National Citizenship Day, where Lurie re -confirmed the dedication of this Sanctuary City to the immigrant community.
“San Francisco is a city that welcomes immigrants,” said Lurie.
In the crowd we met Aurelia Ramirez, who became an American citizen in May after entering the US from Mexico 23 years ago. Ramirez said her journey was difficult. She received a U-Visa in 2015 after she was the victim of domestic violence, then got a green and eventually became naturalized.
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“Seeing what’s going on,” especially with these problems about ice, I feel no safety. But the good thing is that I am a burger, “said Ramirez.
Every year San Francisco assigns $ 600,000 to the citizenship program, making the 10 workshops a reality per year.
“We have come together and have more than 100 workshops since 2013 we started for the first time and help green cardholders to become American citizens,” said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-help for the elderly.
Jorge Rivas, director of the city of the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs has an increase in people attending citizenship workshops. Their office also helps with legal aid.
“If you have any questions about whether you are eligible or whether you have a complicated history, we can help you. If you come to one of our workshops, we will work with you and we try to allocate a lawyer or one of our community partners so that they can look at your case,” said Rivas.
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Over the years, the costs of the citizenship application have risen and now costs $ 725.
The test is also set to change. On Wednesday, the American citizenship and immigration services announced the Civics test that are 100 questions, a maximum of 128. Applicants must answer 20 instead of 10 questions – changes that can lead to fewer people taking the test.
“Now they say:” We want to investigate to see if anyone actually understands the principles of an American citizen. “We may want to go to their neighborhood and know more about the person,” said Bill Hing, professor of Law and Migration Studies at the University of San Francisco.
According to immigration experts, the application process of citizenship now takes longer for many applications that used to last 6 months that they say they now last 18 months.
“Everything is left now,” said Hing.
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