Colorado nonprofit to host Citizenship and DACA renewal workshop in honor of Citizenship day
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - In honor of Citizenship Day on Saturday, Sept. 17, the Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado and the nonprofit, CIRC, Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition are hosting a Citizenship and DACA renewal workshop.
According to the American Immigration Council, one out of every ten Colorado residents is undocumented or knows a family member who is.
The organization's goal is to get residents on the path to citizenship.
Fikile Ryder, a DOJ-accredited immigration counselor at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado came to the U.S. Looking for a better life.
"It's better here- job opportunities than in my country," added Ryder.
Nearly 19 years ago, she immigrated to Colorado. She's now a U.S. citizen and paying it forward helping people become citizens.
"When I got married, Catholic Charities of Southern Colorado actually did my immigration process, I was also able to get my green card through them and also be able to apply for my citizenship," added Ryder.
Lizbeth Mercado, who lives in Pueblo, shared a similar experience.
"They really helped me a lot, like a lot, not only with applications but I was able to go to English classes and social studies classes, and that was so helpful," said Mercado.
She is celebrating one year of U.S. Citizenship after leaving her hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico more than a decade ago.
"Now I feel like I am really part of the community, now I feel like I am really able to make a change," added Mercado.
She describes the day she became a U.S. citizen as a dream come true.
The Colorado Immigration Rights Coalition says in the last couple of years they've had more immigration.
"We've seen an influx of a lot of people from Central America migrating from the mountain region, especially after COVID hit," added Karla Alder with CIRC.
With job loss playing a huge role in foreign countries too, the Pueblo community is answering the call with this workshop, looking to help.
The workshop will take place at Our Lady Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Pueblo, on September 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but appointments are highly suggested.
People can register here.
