Citizenship is an important step for many United States immigrants. While legal permanent residents (LPR – green card holders) are afforded many rights in Amerca, US citizenship has many benefits not available to LPRs. There are many community organizations and social service agencies that offer citizenship classes and assistance with the naturalization process; and some citizenship classes are funded through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants.
LPRs live, work and pay taxes in the United States but can not receive all the same to benefits as citizens. The New American Campaign says the top 6 benefits of citizenship are:
1. Protection from deportation
2. Derivative citizenship for your minor children
3. Family reunification
4. Eligibility for government jobs
5. Freedom to travel
6. Ability to vote
Here are several community organizations and nonprofit services that offer citizenship classes in Chicago.
Chicago Public Library
Citizenship Corners are CPL locations that work with community organizations to offer citizenship workshops.
Instituto del Progreso Latino
Instituto offers Citizenship Courses in English and Spanish.
Literacy Chicago
Literacy Chicago offers two levels of citizenship classes depending on students’ level of English.
Polish American Association
The PAA offers Intensive Citizenship Classes for beginners at convenient locations in the northwest and southwest sides of Chicago.
South Suburban Immigrant Project Chicago
SSIP and the New Americans Initiative and the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights offers citizenship preparation classes.
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
HIAS Chicago offers volunteer-led citizenship classes available in convenient locations throughout the city and suburbs.
Chinese American Service League
CASL’s Immigration Services and classes put immigrants on the path to citizenship.
For more about naturalization and becoming a U.S. citizen, please contact the immigration attorneys at Chicago’s Godoy Law Office. We fight for immigrant rights and help immigrants navigate the complex and numerous immigration policies, procedures, and regulations. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 855-554-6369.
