Citizenship loan offers solution to fee hike

O

n July 31

st

of this year, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced they would be raising the citizenship application fee from $400 to $675. However, through a partnership between the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and Caballeros de San Juan-Credit Union 1, there is a solution to those who are having trouble paying the higher fee.

Lugardo Fitz, branch manager of the Caballeros de San Juan-Credit Union 1 is delighted to be able to help legal permanent residents apply for citizenship and pay for the requisite fee with a $675 loan from his institution. “The citizenship loan has helped a number of people who otherwise may not have the means to pay the citizenship fee. We are happy to be able to give to the community in this way.”

One such immigrant that applied for the loan is Ana Rodriguez, owner of Special Angels Gift Store at 3742 W. Fullerton. She was the first person to apply for a citizenship loan earlier this year. Now Ana has paid off her loan and learned the 100 questions for the citizenship test and she's eager to get her interview date.

"With so many people applying I got a little more time to learn the citizenship questions for the interview. Now I'm ready. I paid back the loan. I'm very excited.

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Not only has she paid back the loan, but she is applying for a loan in order to purchase a home through Caballeros de San Juan. This loan has made the American Dream a reality for people like Ana who have applied for citizenship and used it as a stepping stone for success in the United States.

For more information on the loan, contact Marcelo Ferrer at 773 342-1168.

Ana’s advice: "They've changed the price, next they'll change the test. Now is the time to do it. Get a citizenship loan to make it easier to pay. Call LSNA and they'll help you."