How Local Officials Can Support Citizenship and Civic Participation

摘要

Approximately 2.5 million "lawful permanent residents" living in California are eligible to become U.S. citizens. Citizenship strengthens immigrants' ties to their communities, increases their opportunities to participate in our democracy and builds their economic contributions with a typical 15 percent increase in spending power. As consumers and taxpayers, new citizens contribute significantly to local economies. Thus, increasing the number of immigrants who naturalize can be a boon to individuals and their communities.