Kids & Family
American Dream About to Come True in Redwood City
Path to citizenship for about 21 immigrants living in Redwood City culminates with swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
About 21 immigrants living in Redwood City who've followed the path to legal citizenship are about to reap the rewards of their journey.
They'll be sworn in as United States citizens in a ceremony administered by the United States Customs and Immigration Services at the Fair Oaks Community Center in Redwood City on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
“It’s my great pleasure to welcome these new citizens to the community, and congratulate them for their hard work and success on their path to citizenship,” Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre said in a prepared statement.
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“As new citizens, they can enjoy a greater sense of community, and will be able to more fully participate as proud, productive members of the community.”
The soon-to-be citizens received information and counseling on navigating the path to legal status from the International Institute of the Bay Area, a group funded by the USCIS providing assistance and legal advice to immigrants seeking citizenship.
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“The thriving public-private partnership with Redwood City and the USCIS is critical in helping to create a path to citizenship for those who live in this community," IIBA Executive Director Ellen Dumesnil said in a prepared statement.
"Everyone benefits when community members become citizens. Thanks to the USCIS and Redwood City, we’re able to continue to provide that path, and continue to help change the lives of immigrants in our communities.”
A welcoming reception for the new citizens immediately follows the ceremony. The reception will be held by the IIBA and Redwood City Together, a community group promoting multicultural harmony.
The Fair Oaks Community Center offers services for those in need throughout the Redwood City community.
In addition to the immigration and citizenship services provided by the IIBA, the center offers through city staff and non-profit groups on-site emergency food service, PG&E assistance, help with basic health needs for uninsured individuals and families, homelessness assessment and referral and housing assistance, crisis intervention, basic forms and translations assistance, senior wellness and counseling and 12-step support groups, among other services.
For more information about the Fair Oaks Community Center visit their website.
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