Citizenship Granted for Record Numbers of Immigrants in Los Angeles
By: Phyllis Pavese
Whether it's the heated debate on an immigration bill, discussions of national security, or incidents of illegal immigrants trying to cross the U.S. border, many news stories make it sound like immigrants are at the root of most of America's problems.
Take another look.
On just one day, in just one state, more than 18,000 new Americans proudly pledged allegiance to the flag of their new country.
The day was May 22, 2008 and the state was California. And for the first time, the city needed to hold three separate ceremonies at the Los Angeles Convention Center that day to accommodate all those new immigrants from roughly 100 countries. More than 7,700 individuals were from Mexico, nearly 1,900 from El Salvador and nearly 1,500 from the Philippines.
One reason for the high numbers that day was the increase in the fee from $400 to $675 last August 1, a 350 percent increase in the cost of a citizenship application.
Another reason was popular local Spanish-language radio personality Eduardo "Piolin" Sotelo, who urged listeners to join him during his own path to citizenship. He is known as an advocate of immigration reform and encourages legal residents to become citizens.
More immigrants becoming citizens
Some cities like Los Angeles and Miami enjoy having large public ceremonies to honor the newest Americans. Miami plans five ceremonies over the next week for 15,000 new citizens at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
While many cities prefer less fanfare and choose to administer the oath at the same time the application is approved, numbers throughout the U.S. have increased. In the past seven months alone (October 1 - April 30), 468,878 people became U.S. citizens, up 35 percent from the same time period the previous year. The ongoing debate regarding immigration in Congress, as well as the desire to vote in the upcoming Presidential election, have been key drivers for many people to go start the citizenship process.
Immigration lawyers can help
Perhaps you're also a legal resident ready to start the process of becoming a citizen, or naturalization.
Maybe you're trying to extend a work Visa.
Or maybe you're trying to help a family member come to the United States.
Or possibly you are right now facing deportation.
Immigration law is complicated and filling out the paperwork and forms can be intimidating and difficult. You may need someone to guide you in finding the best options for you and your family.
No matter what problems you have or where you are in the immigration process, help is available from a Total Immigration sponsoring attorney. Our number is 1 (877) 444-1074. You may also use our