Citizenship-Not to be Taken for Granted

By Sandy Robinson

In order to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, a person must first have status as a Permanent Resident. Permanent Resident status is achieved through a sponsor, who is either a US citizen or a Permanent Resident, filing a petition, which, if approved, allows a resident of a foreign country to apply for a visa to enter the US.

Once residing in the US for a determined number of years, a Permanent Resident can apply for US citizenship. An application with a fee is sent to the appropriate Federal office and processed. After acceptance of the application, the Permanent Resident is called in for fingerprinting and a photograph is taken. After processing of fingerprints, the Permanent Resident is given an appointment for an interview and must also demonstrate the ability to speak, read and write English and pass a civics test.

This requirement can be modified for persons over the age of 55 who have resided in the US as Permanent Residents for more then 15 years. If everything goes smoothly, the whole process can take about 6 months.

On Friday, November 3, 2006, 30 people representing the diversity that is enriching Northern Minnesota entered Court Room 1 of the United States District Court in the Federal Building at the Duluth Civic Center. With friends and family packing the courtroom, people representing more than 10 foreign countries took the oath of allegiance and became naturalized US citizens. Each new US citizen is given a certificate of citizenship, a US flag and voter's registration information. The group included local television personality, Barbara Reyelts and Hillside residents Paul Robinson and his son, Sean Robinson