The Northville District Library is now offering help to those seeking to become naturalized U.S citizens.
Appointments are now being scheduled to provide information to anyone who has questions about beginning the naturalization process. The library also has resources available to help individuals prepare for the naturalization process.
The 30-minute appointments are managed and conducted by Adult Services Librarian Samantha Loree.
“The public library is a community space that welcomes everyone through its doors. Southeast Michigan is home for many immigrants and refugees, some who may be unfamiliar with all the services a public library can provide.
“Along with our ESL (English as a Second Language) conversation group, I wanted to start a service introducing patrons to the naturalization process, as well as, how the library can guide and support them along the way. I hope that community members who utilize the library resources feel more empowered and knowledgeable about how to begin the process and how to prepare for the test and interview,” Loree said.
She added that only citizens are able to vote in federal elections, so when applicants are granted citizenship, they can participate in this civic duty of every U.S. citizen. Naturalized citizens can also serve on a federal jury; apply for federal jobs; become an elected official; retain residency in the U.S.; become eligible for federal grants and scholarships and obtain government benefits that are available only to U.S. citizens.
Naturalized citizens will also be granted priority when petitioning to bring any family permanently to the U.S. and will also be able to get citizenship for any children under 18 years of age. Naturalized citizens can travel with a U.S. passport and receive assistance when overseas, if necessary.
Loree, a 5-year library veteran, said she hopes to make this process easier to understand and manage. She added that she is thoroughly prepared to answer questions, direct interested individuals to appropriate community and federal resources, and discuss what the library can provide for residents and guests.
The next four appointments are scheduled beginning at noon Friday, April 22 and progressing in 30-minute increments from there. Appointments are available at the library event calendar: https://bit.ly/2EyX4Za
For more information, visit northvillelibrary.org, or telephone (248) 349-3020 or access Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify or TikTok.
