Citizenship Unit

The Citizenship Unit provides free and low cost legal services to long-time lawful permanent residents who wish to apply to become U.S. citizens, with a particular emphasis on assisting elderly and disabled individuals. Additionally, this unit identifies and submits applications for derivative U.S. citizenship on behalf of individuals who may have unknowingly derived or acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through their parent(s) even tough they were born abroad. In addition, in collaboration with the University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College, this program provides free citizenship classes to members of the community needing assistance in preparing for the English and civics components of the citizenship examination. These classes are offered at parishes throughout the diocese, schools and community centers, and at the DMRS office. This unit also conducts community outreach and education as to the benefits of applying for U.S. citizenship and the importance of civic participation. As the immigration laws become more and more harsh, and the list of reasons for which a lawful permanent resident may be removed from the United States becomes longer and longer, the citizenship unit has begun targeting students and younger lawful permanent residents with regards to the importance of becoming a U.S. citizenship so as to never have to face the possibility of removal from the country, as well as continuing to reach out to all lawful permanent residents eligible for citizenship.