LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, January 27, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is partnering with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the National Immigration Forum’s New American Workforce to host a U.S. citizenship application workshop. During the workshop, application assistance will be provided free of charge to eligible LAWA employees and their family members.
“LAX isn’t just where planes come to land — it’s also where the dreams of so many people take flight as they are welcomed to our city from everywhere in the world,” said Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti. “Our partnership with LAWA and New American Workforce reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusion and our determination to give all Angelenos every opportunity to be part of the American family.”
“Our mission is to connect people, places and cultures, which brings travelers and employees together from around the globe,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “We are proud to be part of Mayor Garcetti’s program which provides this free service to help our team members and their families access information and resources on how to become American citizens.”
LAWA employees can register for the workshop by submitting an online application. To be eligible for citizenship, applicants must:
- Reside in the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident for 5 years (3 years if living with and married to the same U.S. citizen;
- Remain in the United States for at least half of the 5- or 3-year residency period;
- Be at least 18 years old
“Employers and employees alike benefit when new Americans can reach their full potential as citizens. Helping employees through the citizenship process is a win-win for Los Angeles World Airports,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “We appreciate and applaud LAWA’s leadership in sponsoring this workshop in partnership with Mayor Garcetti’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and New American Workforce.”
While there is no cost for the workshop assistance, the current filing fee (cost) for Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, is $725 (updated-2017). This includes the $640 citizenship application fee and the $85 background check cost, also known as the biometric fee. Workshop staff can assist applicants in determining if they are eligible for a fee waiver.
For those interested in learning more about the steps to becoming a U.S. Citizen and the application process, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs recommends these videos:
- Learn about the Steps to Citizenship
- Learn about the Citizenship Process
- Learn about the Steps to Citizenship – Spanish
About Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports, as well as aviation-related property in Palmdale. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service. Both airports make a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders. More information can be found at flylax.com.
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.
About New American Workforce:
The National Immigration Forum’s New American Workforce partners with nearly 300 businesses in eight U.S. cities to assist their eligible immigrant employees with the citizenship process at the worksite so they can become more valuable workers and full participants in the workplace, community and economy.
In Los Angeles, New American Workforce works with 49 employers at 73 worksites, including the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Eric Garcetti, to help lawful permanent residents learn about the opportunities citizenship provides and the assistance to apply. The program has facilitated 94 workshops serving thousands of employees throughout the city. Today, as a part of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports is joining other airports across the nation to ensure their employees and their families have access to citizenship application assistance, if desired.