Rochester Public Library to host citizenship training
The Rochester Public Library will host a workshop next week with information on what it takes to become a U.S. citizen.
Representatives from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will be on hand as part of the citizenship training event.
Officials from the agency’s St. Paul office will cover the basics of becoming a citizen and provide opportunities for mock interviews.
The library says, in addition to individuals considering the citizenship process themselves, the presentation will also be designed for those who work with immigrant populations.
“Having representatives from the USCIS office visit Rochester to provide this valuable information in person will give residents of SE Minnesota the opportunity to not only learn more about the process, but also have their questions answered by reliable sources,” said librarian Robin DeVries.
The event — scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. — is free and open to the public, and materials and resources will also be provided at no charge.
Following the presentation, there will be a chance for a Q&A session.
[Fun fact: Last year, the library hosted a naturalization ceremony in which 48 immigrants become U.S. citizens. They hailed from 21 different nations.]
RPD launches ‘new americans academy’
Separately, the Rochester Police Department announced a new initiative this week designed to give residents not born in the U.S. an opportunity to learn about local law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
The launch of the New Americans Academy will include four workshops this October, all of which will be hosted at the Law Enforcement Center, 101 Fourth Street Southeast. Sessions will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.
Oct. 1: Introduction, Policing and 911 Calls
Oct. 8: Safe Police Interactions, Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, and Civil Service, Identify Theft/Common Scams
Oct. 15: The Public Defender’s Office, Victim’s Services, Olmsted County Attorney’s Office
Oct. 22: Fire Safety and Crime Prevention
The goal of the initiative, according to a city news release, is “to enhance communication, understanding, and trust between law enforcement officers and Rochester’s immigrant community.”
In addition to RPD, a number of other local organizations are participating in the program. Those partners include the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Rochester Fire Department, Victim’s Services, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association, and Hawthorne Education Center.
Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.
