HIAS Chicago’s Citizenship Services ...   The Key To Liberty’s Door

For nearly 100 years, every Jewish refugee who has come to our community has walked through the doors of HIAS Chicago. And for each of these refugees who yearned for freedom and security, two dates are inscribed in their hearts and minds: the date they arrived in this country as refugees and the date they swore allegiance to our nation as new American citizens.

But our work is not finished. A series of new laws have resulted in tougher procedures, increased application costs—$400 per person—and complicated the already-difficult citizenship exam. These changes are making it increasingly difficult for individuals to access benefits, obtain citizenship and receive equal protection under the law.  

As many as 4,000 individuals will be adversely impacted by these laws, which mandate that refugees arriving post-1996 become U.S. citizens within seven years of their date of arrival or risk losing their safety net of life-sustaining benefits.

We are seeking gifts through The Centennial Campaign to subsidize the costs associated with HIAS Chicago's services, which help so many refugees and immigrants realize their dream of citizenship.