Filipino American groups holding monthly citizenship workshops say they’ve seen a surge in interest among Filipinos, reports ABS CBN.
“Immigration reform really has changed the thinking of the Filipino American, thinking how important it is to be a US citizen to apply for benefits applicable to them,” explained Susan Dilkes, executive director of The Filipino American Service Group Inc.
Dilkes says there are as many as 300,000 Filipinos in the U.S. eligible for citizenship. But many scared off by the $695 application fee and satisfaction with their permanent residence status have not applied.