Tucson is launching a new effort to increase citizenship among legal permanent residents.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild announced that the city is partnering with Cities for Citizenship, a national group aimed at helping the estimated 8.8 million people eligible for citizenship.
This campaign would help nearly 33,000 people living in Tucson, who already have proper documentation. It will provide help through local government programs. Groups such as Chicanos por la Causa, and Pima Community College, just to name a few, will work with the city to help applicants through the citizenship process. Applicants will be offered services such as English as a second language, a hotline and citizenship workshops. Vantage West Credit Union will offer applicants who are eligible loans of up to $1,500.
Mayor Rothschild says the effort will also be beneficial for the city because naturalized citizens earn more and pay more in taxes.
He issued the following statement:
"this new program provides support to immigrants who want to take on the rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails."
The partnership with Cities for Citizenship, is not a way for undocumented immigrants to become citizens, Rothschild said.
