Catholic Migration Services (CMS) will conduct a “mega workshop” on Saturday April 5,
2014 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Astoria to assist hundreds of eligible individuals
and families complete naturalization applications, a critical step toward becoming United
States citizens. This event is a major component of the recently announced Cambia Tu Vida
(“Change Your Life”) campaign through which CMS aims to promote naturalization and raise
awareness of the benefits of citizenship. To schedule an appointment and to be screened
for eligibility, green-card holders are encouraged to call the Cambia Tu Vida hotline at 855-
622-6242.

The event is also part of the New Americans Campaign (NAC), an unprecedented
nonpartisan national network of more than 80 organizations who have come together to
encourage and assist eligible legal permanent residents (LPRs) in becoming U.S. citizens.
Catholic Migration Services is bringing the NAC’s message to New York City through a
series of English and Spanish language public service announcements to air on local
television stations, print and social media and grassroots publicity efforts.

There are over 8 million legal permanent residents in the United States who are eligible to
become U.S. citizens. It is estimated that that more than half a million people in the New
York City area are eligible to naturalize. The myriad benefits of naturalization include an
increase in economic opportunity, access to full civic participation, ability to travel with a
U.S. passport and greater pathways to family reunification. It will also be noted that these
new citizens bring fresh talent pools and skills to the country’s workforce and enhance the
cultural richness of U.S. society.

Through its efforts in March and April, CMS aims to assist over one thousand eligible
individuals to complete and submit applications for naturalization. This assistance will be
provided in a series of “mega workshops” staffed by CMS attorneys, counselors and pro
bono volunteers. Adopting an innovative model of service provision developed by the NAC,
CMS hopes to aid immigrants in overcoming the barriers and confusion often experienced
by those who seek to apply for naturalization.

CMS is a non-profit affiliate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. For over forty
years, it has served the needs of immigrants and refugees in Brooklyn and Queens. For
more information, please contact CMS at 347-472-3500 (Queens), 718-236-3000 (Brooklyn)
or www.catholicmigration.org.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Robert McCreanor
347 472 3500 ext. 103
rmccreanor@catholicmigration.org