Promote Naturalization in Utah

Naturalization is the pathway for lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens, unlocking civic participation and economic growth opportunities. By promoting naturalization through accessible resources, targeted awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations or employers, we can support aspiring citizens on their journey. These efforts empower individuals and foster a more inclusive, connected, and engaged society.

Support from Businesses

Businesses are crucial in promoting naturalization by providing resources and support to help individuals navigate the process. They can promote effective models and initiatives aimed at assisting individuals to become U.S. citizens by offering:

  • On-site assistance to employees
  • Referrals to qualified resources
  • Financial assistance for naturalization fees
Citizenship Education Models
Referral-Driven Citizenship Education Model

This model involves the employer referring interested employees to existing citizenship programs and legal services within the community. By providing information and resources, the employer demonstrates employee support and can also offer assistance with fees.

Marriott Hotels supports workplace-based citizenship initiatives for its immigrant employees by partnering with nonprofits to offer English and civics classes as part of the naturalization process.

Local Government
Cities and towns can actively support immigrants' naturalization by highlighting opportunities and resources that assist immigrants in achieving citizenship and integrating more fully into their communities.
Salt Lake County United for Citizenship

Salt Lake County launched the United for Citizenship program in 2021 as part of the Mayor’s Office of New Americans. The program offers resources, hosts oath ceremonies, and funds local organizations to provide monthly eligibility workshops to help lawful permanent residents understand the steps to becoming naturalized citizens.

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Ogden City’s Citizenship PATH program

The City of Ogden developed a program to assist qualified residents of Weber County in becoming naturalized U.S. citizens by providing classes, civic duty education, legal services, and microgrants to assist with the filing fees required to apply for naturalization.

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Cities & Counties for Citizenship

Cities & Counties for Citizenship (CC4C) is a network that supports local efforts to increase naturalization among eligible immigrants. In Utah, CC4C promotes local programs that offer legal assistance and educational resources for the naturalization process. This support enhances access to citizenship, leading to better economic opportunities for immigrants while fostering community integration.

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Research & Reports on Naturalization
Naturalized Citizens in the United States
Naturalization provides immigrants with legal protections, which are vital for fostering connected communities and enhancing individual well-being. While 76.6% of eligible immigrants are naturalized, many — particularly those from Mexico, India, and China — have not taken this step. Increasing naturalization rates, especially in battleground states, could amplify immigrant voices in policymaking.
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Estimates of the Lawful Permanent Resident Population in the United States and the Subpopulation Eligible to Naturalize: 2024 and revised 2023.
Naturalization is vital for economic growth, boosting immigrants' earning potential by about 10%. As of January 2024, there were 12.8 million lawful permanent residents in the U.S., with 8.7 million eligible to naturalize. The 2015 Urban Insitute research report estimated that full naturalization could raise total income by $5.7 billion and tax revenue by $2 billion.
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2024 State Of New American Citizenship Report
Recent updates under the Biden administration have streamlined the naturalization process, reducing the average processing time to five months as of May 2024 — a decrease of over 50% since 2022. This means that green card holders applying for citizenship in July 2024 could be approved in time to vote in the presidential election, depending on their location.
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1 in 10 Eligible Voters in the U.S. Are Naturalized Citizens
A 2024 Pew Research Center report highlights that 10% of eligible U.S. voters are naturalized citizens, reflecting a significant and growing demographic. 73% of this demographic have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. Additionally, naturalized citizens are more likely to vote than U.S.-born voters, emphasizing their importance in the electoral process.
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Benefits of Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen provides numerous benefits that enhance personal, professional, and family life, opening doors to:

  • Voting Rights: Naturalized citizens can participate in local and national elections, impacting our communities' policies. They can also run for elected positions in their local, state, or federal government.
  • New Job Opportunities: Citizenship can enhance job prospects, especially for positions requiring security clearance or federal jobs offered exclusively to U.S. citizens.
  • Travel: Naturalized citizens can obtain a U.S. passport, making international travel more accessible. U.S. citizens additionally receive assistance and protection from U.S. embassies and consulates while abroad.
  • Family Sponsorship: U.S. Citizens can sponsor certain family members for U.S. immigration to reunite families with lawful pathways and potentially allow them to obtain lawful permanent residence.
  • Eligibility for State or Federal Benefits: Naturalized citizens qualify for Social Security benefits, providing financial support in retirement, disability, or for survivors of deceased workers. They are also eligible for federal educational financial aid, including grants and loans.
Civic Responsibilities When You Become a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen means assuming responsibilities that uphold the nation's democratic values and legal frameworks. These duties are essential for protecting the rights and freedoms that are the foundation of American society. Citizens have several key responsibilities:

  • Voting and engaging in the democratic process
  • Serving on a jury
  • Obeying all laws
  • Filing and paying taxes
  • Registering with the Selective Service (for males aged 18-25)
  • Participating in community and civic duties
  • Upholding the U.S. Constitution
  • Respecting the rights of others to promote equality and fairness
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