Wash. immigrants learn how to become citizens

Nearly 70 people attended a clinic aimed at showing immigrants how to become naturalized citizens, part of a push by Washington state and an immigrant advocacy group to encourage legal permanent residents to become U.S. citizens.

But the Skagit Valley Herald reports this program - called the New Americans Program - is in jeopardy of losing its funding as lawmakers face a revenue shortfall in the state's budget.

The state Legislature may eliminate the more than $500,000 per two-year budget the program gets.

"Many program participants tell us that it's even harder during this rough economy to become a citizen," said Charlie McAteer, who works for OneAmerica, the Seattle-based immigrant advocacy group behind the program.

McAteer says that most of the people who attend the clinics have household incomes below the federal poverty line. An application for citizenship costs $675 and immigration lawyers can charge up to thousands of dollars.

That's why the New Americans program was started, McAteer said, because many people seek legal aid.

On Saturday, volunteer immigration attorneys, paralegals and interpreters offered free assistance to people filling out applications. Most immigrants there were from Mexico, followed by Ukrainians. But people ranging from England to Brazil also attended.

Paul Baker, who was born in England, has lived in the United States since he was 13. After 35 years as a legal permanent resident, Baker picked up an application to become a citizen.

"I'd like to participate more in the democracy," Baker said. "It's sort of like being an orphan, if you can't participate for almost half (your) adult life."

This is the second of three clinics planned. In total, clinics will be held in 12 cities across the state.

In 2008, Gov. Chris Gregoire directed a policy council to create ways for legal residents to become citizens, resulting in the free clinics.

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Information from: Skagit Valley Herald, http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com