San Diego

New Program Helping Green Card Holders in San Diego Obtain Citizenship

The program was launched in San Diego about three years ago. So far, about 1,000 people have been led through the citizenship process.

Becoming a U.S citizen is now easier for hundreds of San Diegans.

A program offered through the New American Workforce Program partners with local businesses to help their green card employees become citizens.

On Friday, the City of San Diego and Lindbergh Field joined in to help some of their employees.

"This will give hard working San Diegans the opportunity to become full fledged Americans," said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

The program was launched in San Diego about three years ago. So far, about 1,000 people have been led through the citizenship process.

"Our partners in San Diego range from healthcare to hospitality to manufacturing and technology," said Ali Noorani from the National Immigration Forum.

Ana Godinez is a Cleaning Services Manager at The Bahia Resort Hotel. For 19 years, she worked for the company with her green card.

Last year, she became a U.S citizen with the help of this program.

"I can't put into words just how proud I am to be an American. It's a sense of accomplishment," said Godinez.

With President Trump's hard line on immigration, the program is gaining popularity.

"I do think the immigrant community is worried," said Noorani. "But I also think the immigrant community is more excited than ever to become united states citizens."

Nation wide, eight other cities have developed partnerships with this program.

Becoming a U.S citizen costs about $800 per person but the lawyer fees can run into the thousands.

This program helps offset some of those costs.

Contact Us