Magyar News, 1994. szeptember-1995. augusztus (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1995-04-01 / 8. szám
GREENCARD OR CITIZENSHIP Many immigrants in the United States walk around with the Greencard in their pocket instead of applying for citizenship. A Greencard has some disadvantages. One cannot vote, hold public office, hold positions in governmental sector, or travel with less concern for lost documentation. In some cases one can lose out on better economical opportunities. Also one cannot sponsor immediate family members. It is a question of having a permanent resident putting his affairs in proper order. It is also a matter of the country to have its affairs in order. To belong to a country means that you should be a legal citizen. The Immigration and Naturalization Service of the U.S. Department of Justice launched a naturalization program in Connecticut. Participating in the program are the International Institute, the Secretary of the State, the Daughters of the American ■Revolution, the League of Women Voters and many community groups. At the beginning of March they held a meeting at the International Institute on Clinton Ave. in Bridgeport. The Hungarians were represented by Rev. Bela Poznan, Calvin United Church of Christ, and Joseph Balogh, editor of the Magyar News. The meeting was about organizing volunteers to help fill out the forms and prepare applicants for the naturalization test. The test has a hundred questions, a few are picked randomly and one has to give the right answer to a certain percentage of that. Living in the United States for five years, or three for one who is married to a citizen, is enough time to be familiar with most of the questions. The language shouldn’t be a problem. Though under the age of 50 the English to some extent is a requirement. If somebody is over 50 and spent 20 years in this country, or is over 55 and spent 15 years, is allowed to take the test in their native language, having their own interpreter. Above 65 with 20 years residence one does not need to take the test. This opportunity to get help with the form, the questions and the test will be available for three months only. Take advantage of it, put your affairs into order. You may try your own church or organization. You may also call for information 377-0569. Do not delay. HUNGARIAN FOOTHOLD IN BALBOA PARK Balboa Park in San Diego, California, is far from us. It is on the other side of the United States. If one would travel from here to there and back, that person would cover a distance just about equal to the one from here to Hungary. Many of us would not see Balboa Park but our heart is with those Hungarians and their joy is also our joy. A small group of Hungarians decided that they need a home to nurture their heritage and traditions. Last year on August 4 th they broke ground for the Hungarian House, and with a Christmas greeting, we received a picture of the finished building. Our congratulations and our love goes out to the San Diego Hungarians. We wish them success and happy times in their new home. We also send our thanks to Margaret Horvath for the Newsletters. 6
