San Francisco Sun

San Francisco – In celebration of Citizenship Day, San Francisco is encouraging eligible green card holders to utilize available free resources for applying for citizenship. The city is hosting two free workshops over the next month to assist individuals in their citizenship applications and encourage new citizens to register to vote in time for the November elections.

These workshops are part of the San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative (SFPCI), a collaborative effort by non-profit organizations funded by the city to make citizenship more accessible and affordable.

“Since the inception of the non-profit collaborative San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative (SFPCI) in 2013, we have been celebrating National Citizenship Day every year,” said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, SFPCI’s lead organization. “SFPCI has assisted over 11,500 on their journey to become U.S. citizens.”

This year, many newly naturalized citizens are enthusiastic about voting for the first time. Daniel Abera, originally from Ethiopia, shared his experience: “After attending an SFPCI workshop, I registered to vote and can now vote for the very first time. I exercised my right to vote in the presidential primary, and now I can’t wait to vote in November.” Abera also volunteers at SFPCI workshops.

On Citizenship Day, SFPCI is hosting Lawyers in the Library, a computer-based clinic at San Francisco Public Library’s main location where individuals can receive help applying for citizenship through citizenshipworks.org.

“The Library is a hub for culture, education, and community,” said City Librarian Michael Lambert. “We are excited to partner on Lawyers in the Library to provide a central space for our community members to apply for citizenship.”

Jorge Rivas, director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) and secretary of the San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission remarked: “The San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative removes barriers many immigrants face by making the process of becoming a U.S. citizen accessible, affordable, and simple.”

Applicants can get financial assistance covering application costs through Mission Asset Fund's partnership with San Francisco. The city provides a 50% match on funds raised by applicants who live or work in San Francisco.

Funded by local foundations and city support since its establishment in 2013 under Mayor Edwin M. Lee's administration, SFPCI has held 81 free workshops across San Francisco and provided legal screenings for nearly 19,000 immigrants while saving applicants over $6 million in fees.

For more information about upcoming free citizenship workshops on September 17th and October 19th or other services offered by SFPCI partners such as ESL classes through City College of San Francisco visit sfcitizenship.org or contact their multilingual hotlines:

English: 415-662-8901

Spanish: 415-662-8902

Chinese: 415-295-5894

Filipino: 415-498-0735

Russian: 415-754-3818

Vietnamese: 415-295-5894

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About OCEIA:

The Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) promotes inclusive policies fostering immigrant assistance programs that lead to full civic participation.

About SFPCI:

Established as a public-private partnership between local foundations and OCEIA under Mayor Edwin M. Lee’s administration promoting civic participation among naturalization eligible immigrants.

About San Francisco Public Library:

Connecting diverse communities through learning opportunities with its network including neighborhood branches and bookmobiles.