New Loan Could Help Thousands Pay Citizenship Fees

 

2007 could end up being a very promising year for Ana Rodríguez. Not only did she recently open her own family-owned business, but now, thanks to a new loan offered by Caballeros de San Juan-Credit Union 1, Ana is one step closer to becoming a US citizen. “I’ve wanted to become a citizen for some time,” Ana recently told LSNA surrounded by artificial flowers and religious images from her store, “but with all of the costs associated with running a business it became a challenge to pay for the application fee. When Rufina (from LSNA) told me that Caballeros de San Juan was offering loans with low monthly installments (between $45 and $90), I immediately went to their bank.”

Caballeros de San Juan-Credit Union 1 (located on the corner of Washtenaw and Fullerton) is a non-for-profit bank that has the central mission of working with the community to reflect the needs of the community. “When LSNA told us their idea about the new citizens loan, we quickly began to work on how to make it happen,” commented Lugardo Fitz, the bank’s general manager. So dedicated to his bank’s mission is Mr. Fitz that he personally hand-delivered the USCIS money order to Ms. Rodríguez. “Since Ms. Rodríguez was our first client for this type of loan, I wanted to provide her with this special gesture,” said Mr. Fitz. Even though from now on all of those interested will have to go to the bank themselves to get the money order, “we will always treat everyone with kindness,” added the manager.

Call us before the filing fees go up to $675. If you would like more information about the New Citizens Loan call Marcelo Ferrer at 773 384-4370 ext. 11. To find out whether you qualify for citizenship call Rufina Valladares at 773 384-4370 ext. 49.