Welcome to our St. Mark Community Education Program newsletter!

St. Mark Community Education Program (SMCEP) is a 501 (c)(3) 

For more information about SMCEP please contact Mike Oliver, Executive Director: contact@stmarksesol.org 

Photo Above & Below by Jim Falzarano: Jim Proper Bostonian

According to USCIS, only 10% of those eligible for citizenship apply each year. Those that do are thrilled to have done so(See Tam's story) However there are many who would like to be citizens that are denied the opportunity . One such group are DACA recipients.

DACA recipients twisting in the wind;

Why?

In 2022, what does it mean to be a US citizen? According to USCIS which

naturalizes thousands of immigrants a year, citizens have good moral character, are loyal to the United States, support defend the Constitution and contribute to the wellbeing of the country. Those naturalized have to fill out a 20 page application, pass a civics test that almost half those born here could not, and answer number of invasive questions about their past. Consider DACA recipients: I suspect many are of good moral character, could pass the civics test, are loyal the United States, would defend and support the Constitution, and contribute to the wellbeing of the country. Then

why, if they meet the criteria set by USCIS, can they not become citizens? What are they missing? When are we going to accept that America is their home and that they are as much of a citizen as anyone born here, perhaps more so in some cases.

Are we afraid that the country would collapse if we made them citizens?

This constant wrangling in the Congress and the courts about their future

amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. It is time we stop all the nonsense and make them official.

Mike Oliver,

Executive Director

10  IMPORTANT REASONS TO BECOME A

U.S. CITIZEN

1. Have the right to vote.

Lawful permanent residents are not exempt from US laws, taxes and other political measures. Think about becoming a US citizen in order to vote on political representatives as well as local, state and federal ballot measures.

2. Be able to run for public office.

As a matter of fact, why not run for a political office yourself? You may not be able to be the president, but becoming a US citizen permits you to hold numerous public offices — just look at Arnold Schwarzenegger.

3. Be eligible for federal employment or benefits.

If you want a career with the government, it’s possible — but you have to be a US citizen. And you may have to act fast — some government agencies do not consider new US citizens eligible for certain careers or benefits if they do not start the naturalization process within six months of their eligibility to do so.

4. Be able to travel abroad for long periods of time.

Many green card holders travel frequently, especially if many of their family members are in other countries. But if permanent residents spend more than six months a year traveling, they might not be admitted back into the United States — their green card may be considered “abandoned” and they will have to start the immigration process all over again. One of the perks of becoming a US citizen? You can travel for as long as you want with no restrictions!

5. Not be deported.

It doesn’t just happen to undocumented immigrants — permanent residents are eligible for deportation, and it doesn’t even have to be a very serious offense. Some believe that courts are harder on non-US citizens, and non-citizen immigrants and permanent residents don’t have as many options to take a plea bargain or do jail time or community service.

6. Be able to sponsor your family for green cards.

Becoming a US citizen means you can sponsor relatives for a green card — everyone from your parents and siblings to your spouse. Additionally, if you have children under the age of 18 in your custody, they will automatically become citizens along with you.

7. Benefit from US tax laws.

If your spouse is also a US citizen, you can bequeath real estate to him or her that will be exempt from property taxes. US tax laws also allow other free exchanges of real estate between married US citizens.

8. Become eligible for free money.

Would you like to apply for university scholarships or be eligible for in-state college tuition? Perhaps you want to try and get a government grant or monetary award. Many of these options are available only to US citizens.

9. Become a US passport holder.

Only US citizens can get US passports, a coveted travel document. When you travel abroad with a US passport, you’ll be supported by US Embassies or Consulates if you need any assistance.

10. Not necessarily have to give up your current citizenship.

While it’s true that the US has new citizens renounce their previous citizenships in taking the Oath of Allegiance during naturalization ceremonies, you can ask to omit that part of the oath if you want to retain your previous citizenship as well. While dual citizenship used to be banned in the United States, the Supreme Court struck down those laws — so if it’s the only thing keeping you from becoming a US

citizen, it may be time to reconsider!

St. Mark values the world’s people and their culture through food. We believe in promoting international & cultural appreciation. We break bread  together, which is what we did regularly pre-pandemic and hope to do in the near future. One meal at a time! Sharing the struggles and joys that have influenced the people from all over the world. We hope that you might gain an appreciation of their land and traditions and experience a taste the hospitality that only sharing a meal can offer. Join SMCEP as we reimagine immigration through sharing stories and sharing recipes.

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