IMMIGRANTS GET CITIZENSHIP HELP.Byline: Blanca E. Cordova Cordova, Spain: see Córdoba. Daily News Staff WriterAbout 2,000 people got free assistance in applying for citizenship Saturday at Valley College. Immigration and Naturalization Service Noun 1. Immigration and Naturalization Service - an agency in the Department of Justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the United States INS forms were available during the event, called U.S. Citizenship Day. Also, applicants were able to have their photos and fingerprints taken, said Candy Pulliam, coordinator of the event and member of the Los Angeles-based U.S. Citizenship Action Network. ``This is the first step in becoming a citizen,'' Pulliam said. ``This saves people anywhere from $50 to $300.'' The applicants had to be legal residents for five years, or for three years if married to a United States citizen. They must be able to read and write English and be of good moral character. Later in the process, they must pass a test on the federal government, Pulliam said. Immigration immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. attorneys were present to help people with more complicated questions, said Mona Tawatao, directing attorney at the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. Neighborhood Legal Services Inc. There were about 400 volunteers and community-based organizations providing information. Sponsors include the Los Angeles Unified School District The Los Angeles Unified School District (the "LAUSD") is the largest (in terms of number of students) public school system in California and the second-largest in the United States. Only the New York City Department of Education has a larger student population. , Los Angeles County Department of Social Services, Valley College and many more, Pulliam said. ``A lot of people are afraid of the unknown. When they are here we help them feel at ease,'' said Rachel Daggett, a volunteer helping people with their INS INS abbr. 1. Immigration and Naturalization Service 2. International News Service Noun 1. INS forms. Elsa Alarcon, originally from Guatemala, has been in the United States for 18 years - but only now is applying for citizenship. ``They are doing something real big,'' Alarcon said of the event's organizers. ``They answer even the smallest question,'' she said, speaking in Spanish. CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1) Patricia Gallegos, left, and Lillian Dolores Dolores (or Delores) was a common given name (until the 1960s in the USA); it is cognate with the English word "dolorous" (meaning sorrowful) and equivalent in meaning. Martin wait in line Saturday for free citizenship assistance at Valley College. (2) Thousands of prospective citizens fill out paperwork at Valley College on Saturday, with help from volunteers. Myung J. Chun/Daily News |
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