On October 18th, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh’s Immigration Legal Services hosted a Naturalization Workshop to support permanent residents on their journey to U.S. citizenship. “The day was a tremendous success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of 15 law students from Campbell University, two pro bono lawyers, and six dedicated staff members from Catholic Charities’ Immigration Legal Services,” said Director of Immigration Services Consuelo Kwee.
Volunteers arrived early to set up tables, organize materials, and ensure the day would run smoothly for all participants. By mid-morning, a diverse group of permanent residents from across the Diocese of Raleigh began to arrive, hopeful and eager to take this next significant step toward citizenship. Kwee said, “Throughout the workshop, many attendees expressed excitement about their dreams of voting, fully participating in civic life, and creating better futures for their families.”
Campbell Law students worked alongside experienced attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives to provide personalized support. Together, they guided participants through complex paperwork, answered questions, and explained each stage of the naturalization process, including what to expect in interviews with immigration officials. This unique collaboration between students and legal professionals created a welcoming and supportive environment, allowing applicants to feel both reassured and empowered.
By the end of the day, 27 permanent residents were successfully registered to apply for naturalization—each application representing a significant milestone in their journey toward citizenship. Immigration Specialist Luisa Martin-Price said, “Volunteers felt immense pride knowing that their efforts would soon empower new citizens to fully engage in their communities and make lasting contributions to society.”
The expertise of the Immigration Legal Services team from Catholic Charities played a critical role in the workshop’s success, providing resources and guidance to ensure every participant had access to accurate information and professional support. This event demonstrated the strength of community collaboration, as individuals and organizations came together with a shared purpose: to support permanent residents in realizing their dream of U.S. citizenship.
Martin-Price said, “As the day ended, the gratitude and joy from participants was evident, with them sharing their excitement for the opportunities that await them as future citizens.” This is Catholic Charities third Naturalization Workshop this year. It facilitates the submission of new citizenship applications and strengthens bonds within the community, showcasing the power of volunteerism and the impact of coming together to support dreams.
Organizers say the success of the workshop is a testament to what is possible when community members and organizations unite to make a difference, empowering individuals on their path to citizenship and building a stronger, more inclusive society.
