Prospective Citizens Get Help in Applying

A Citizenship Day event at Panorama Mall Tuesday drew a large turnout of residents eager to begin the final steps of the citizenship process.

The all-day event, co-sponsored by Rep. Howard Berman (D-Panorama City), Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon and several local businesses, provided eligible residents with an opportunity to complete their applications in one location, and for less than the amount usually charged.

“This can be an intimidating process for many people,” said Felipe Kofman, owner of Felipe’s Discount Immigration and an event organizer. “The mall is a great place to do this because everyone knows where it is and they can trust that it will be legitimate. It’s more comfortable for them.”

Applicants at Tuesday’s event were required to bring green cards and several other pieces of identification as well as proof of their employment histories and places of residence for the past five years. For a $40 fee they were photographed, fingerprinted, assisted with the paperwork and given an armful of educational materials, including books and videotapes, to help them study for the citizenship exam.

Heraclio Pedroza, a 38-year-old father of five, works most of the year in the United States, while his wife and children live in his hometown near Zacatecas, Mexico. He said that he recently finished his five-year residency period and was in a hurry to gain his citizenship so that his family can legally join him here.

“I’m a little nervous about the test. I think I need to study my English more,” said Pedroza. “I am very excited that this day is finally here.”

Anna Highfill of Arleta, who emigrated from Austria in 1963, said she was finally taking care of something she’s intended to do for a long time. The retired waitress has been eligible to become a citizen for years but never got around to filling out the application forms until now.

“This is my country. Before I die I want to become a citizen,” Highfill said. “Besides, I have 13 cats and they’re all citizens, so why shouldn’t I be one too?”