SAN DIEGO — Lawful permanent residents who wish to become U.S. citizens in time to vote in the November 2020 presidential election still have time if they apply for naturalization now.

Alliance San Diego, a community empowerment organization, is offering free and personalized assistance to lawful permanent residents as part of an expansion of in-office services this year, which will include general screenings, help with renewing DACA applications, FOIA requests and referrals to trusted attorneys and agencies.

Naturalization applications in San Diego County are taking between 7 and 11 months to process, which means many will have enough time to become citizens and registered voters before the November 3 elections. To receive free and personalized help, aspiring citizens should attend a forum, get assessed and complete the N-400 Naturalization application.

The first naturalization forum will take place on Wednesday, January 15 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Southwestern College. For information and to sign up for help with the naturalization application, click here. 

There are about 165,000 people in San Diego County who are eligible to become citizens, including nearly 50,000 in the South Bay. 

Michelle Celleri, Human Rights Counsel with Alliance San Diego, said the following:

“This is a great opportunity for lawful permanent residents to fully participate in our democracy by becoming citizens and registered voters so they can vote not just in the 2020 elections, but in all elections going forward. The strength of our democracy depends on voter participation, and for many that starts with becoming a citizen. Time is running out. It is essential that aspiring citizens start the process now. By attending one of our events, you will receive assistance by an accredited legal representative and trusted immigration attorney who will support you throughout the application process.”

About Alliance San Diego

Alliance San Diego is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) community empowerment organization working to ensure that all people can achieve their full potential in an environment of harmony, safety, equality, and justice. Our mission is to provide a means for diverse individuals and organizations to share information, collaborate on issues and mobilize for change in the pursuit of social justice, especially in low-income communities and communities of color. We pursue this mission through targeted civic engagement programs and strategic coalitions that focus on specific issues and policy reforms.