Consumers Credit Union Opens Doors To Those Seeking Citizenship

CCU helps offer free
assistance to eligible legal permanent residents

Grayslake, IL, November 21, 2011:  Interested in becoming a United States citizen?  That process can be both confusing and intimidating for those who don’t know the right questions to ask or where to begin. That’s why Consumers Credit Union (CCU; $550 M. Waukegan, IL), is hosting a citizenship workshop at the Member-owned credit union’s Mundelein office to assist eligible legal applicants in procuring their U.S. citizenship.  The workshop, set for Saturday, December 10, 2011, is produced in collaboration with the New American Initiative Program, North Suburbs Collaborative formed by the Fr. Gary Graf Center, HACES, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and Hanul Family Alliance.

“Consumers Credit Union is proud to work with the New American Initiative with the goal of helping others acquire their U.S. Citizenship,” said Sean M. Rathjen, CCU President. “We believe those who’ve lived our entire lives in the U.S., or have already obtained our citizenship, have a responsibility to assist those coming to this country looking for a better way of life, to do the same. This program gives eligible applicants a step in the right direction by offering the critical tools necessary to achieve their citizenship.”

The cost of the citizenship application has risen during the last few years, leaving many eligible legal permanent residents without the opportunity to apply to become citizens.  In order to alleviate this situation and assist eligible legal permanent residents in fulfilling the dream of U.S. citizenship, Consumers Credit Union also has a Citizenship Loan program. The loan application is completed after the New Americans Initiative collaborative has determined eligibility for citizenship.  The program consists of a loan for the amount of the application fee, to be repaid in 10 monthly installments with minimal fees and a very low rate of interest. 

Here are the details for the United States Citizen workshop.

• Date and Time:  Saturday, December 10, 2011 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.

For those who may be interested in learning more information about the citizenship program, along with it’s requirements and other workshop dates, please contact the Fr. Gary Graf Center at 847-775-0858.  For more information on the citizenship loan program, contact Sean M. Rathjen, CCU President, at 847.782.4670.  Consumers Credit Union is Member-owned, with offices in Waukegan, Mundelein, Round Lake Beach, Gurnee, North Waukegan, Volo and online at www.myconsumers.org.