Catholic Migration Services (CMS) will conduct a “mega workshop” on Saturday, April 5 at Immaculate Conception parish, Astoria, to assist hundreds of eligible individuals and families complete naturalization applications, a critical step toward becoming U.S. citizens.

This event is a major component of the recently announced Cambia Tu Vida (“Change Your Life”) campaign through which CMS aims to promote naturalization and raise awareness of the benefits of citizenship.

It is also part of the New Americans Campaign (NAC), an unprecedented nonpartisan national network of more than 80 organizations that have come together to encourage and assist eligible legal permanent residents (LPRs) in becoming U.S. citizens. CMS is bringing the NAC’s message to New York City through a series of English- and Spanish-language public service announcements on local television stations, print and social media and grassroots publicity efforts.

There are more than eight million LPRs in the U.S. who are eligible to become U.S. citizens. It is estimated that more than half a million people in the New York City area are eligible to naturalize. The benefits of naturalization include an increase in economic opportunity, access to full civic participation, ability to travel with a U.S. passport and greater pathways to family reunification.

Through its efforts in March and April, CMS hopes to assist over 1,000 eligible individuals to complete and submit applications for naturalization. This assistance will be provided in a series of “mega workshops” staffed by CMS attorneys, counselors and pro bono volunteers.

To schedule an appointment and to be screened for eligibility, green-card holders are encouraged to call the Cambia Tu Vida hotline at 855-622-6242.

For more information, please contact CMS at 347-472-3500 (Queens), 718-236-3000 (Brooklyn) or visit www.catholicmigration.org.