A new series of free citizenship classes starts Tuesday, Nov. 1, in room 208 of the Center for Adult Education, 1025 Main, Great Bend.
Instructor Doris Reile said any immigrant interested in becoming a citizen may want to enroll in this 10-week program before the federal application fees increase. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS), there will be an increase in fees for most immigration applications and petitions effective Dec. 23. The increase is from $680 to $725.
The classes at the Center for Adult Education will meet from 10 a.m. to noon and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program will provide all the necessary information and practice for passing the citizenship test and interview.
There is no cost for the class, but there is a $20 textbook fee. In addition to the coursework, prospective citizens must file the N-400 form with the United Citizenship and Immigration Services Department. The class includes assistance with the form. To aid Spanish speakers, the sessions of this class will be translated into Spanish.
Reile said the course is designed to assist permanent residents of any nationality who want to obtain their U.S. citizenship through naturalization or are just interested in learning about the United States, geography and civics. She also said taking these courses will help improve English-speaking skills.