LOCAL NEWS

Ogden officials OK new program to help immigrants become US citizens

Jan 16, 2025, 8:02 PM

Ava Flores, one of nine people who took the oath of naturalization on Sept. 30, 2024, in Ogden, gre...

Ava Flores, one of nine people who took the oath of naturalization on Sept. 30, 2024, in Ogden, greets officials at the ceremony. She was a member of Ogden's initial PATH to Citizenship class, to become an annual thing. (City of Ogden)

(City of Ogden)

OGDEN — Ogden leaders have formalized a pilot program aimed at helping legal immigrants navigate the next steps required to become full-fledged U.S. citizens.

Nearly 60,000 legal permanent residents in Utah are eligible to apply for U.S. naturalization. Of those, around 3,300 are in Weber County, said Linda Lartigue, who heads Ogden’s Office of Community Engagement, the driving force behind the program. On average, though, immigrants spend seven years as legal residents before seeking U.S. citizenship, and the PATH to Citizenship program is designed to encourage the naturalization process.

“The goal of the PATH program is to remove obstacles to obtaining citizenship and to educate new citizens on their civic responsibilities,” reads a city memo on the program.

The unique Ogden initiative — “the first of its kind,” said Lartigue — launched as a pilot program last year, leading 17 Weber County residents to become U.S. citizens. The Ogden City Council on Tuesday unanimously formalized its conversion into an annual program.

“It was neat to be part of this last year, watching those go through the program and the graduation ceremony, and then ultimately doing the citizenship (ceremony) in these chambers was a neat opportunity, as well,” said City Council Chairman Ken Richey. The new citizens came from Germany, Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, and South Africa.

As part of the program, participants take part in a citizenship and civics class offered by the Weber County Library System and can tap the help of immigration experts from Catholic Community Services, an immigrant advocacy group. Those in the class also receive visits from a cross-section of community leaders — from law enforcement, the local judiciary, Weber County government, and the Ogden government.

The program has a budget of $21,000 for 2025, with most of that — $14,200 — earmarked to cover the cost of the U.S. citizenship application for class members. Aside from the Weber County Library System and Catholic Community Services, partners include My Hometown Ogden, a civic organization, and United Way of Northern Utah. The plan is to turn the Path to Citizenship program into an annual effort with up to 30 class members per cycle.

Lartigue said applications to take part in the 2025 installment of the citizenship initiative will be accepted, probably starting Monday, with more information on the program website. Classes are to start in March. Applicants for citizenship must be lawful permanent residents for the past three to five years, have basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, and be willing to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, among other things.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

FILE - A police vehicle flashes its lights. (Matt Rourke, Associated Press) FILE: police lights. On...

Michael Houck

Pedestrian killed after being hit by a vehicle, Santa Clara-Ivins police say

A woman was fatally hit by a vehicle Friday evening, Santa Clara-Ivins police say.

9 minutes ago

An Orem home that was scheduled to be demolished on fire on Feb. 4, 2025....

Brian Carlson

Massive Orem house fire being investigated as arson

A fire that destroyed an empty Orem home in a wooded area of the city is now being investigated as arson.

1 hour ago

Nancy Duncan and Nick Jenderko behind Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 Grammy Awards show....

Mike Anderson

Utahns sat among stars at the Grammys

Some Utahns earned some bragging rights after a night at the Grammy Awards.

2 hours ago

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

3 hours ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

3 hours ago

West Valley City police officers preforming a welfare check at the home of Sha Reh and Bu Meh on De...

Courtney Johns

Did police miss a key opportunity in West Valley family homicide?

KSL Investigators obtained body camera footage that provides insight into how West Valley City police responded to a welfare check the night before police discovered the tragic murder-suicide inside the home. 

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Ogden officials OK new program to help immigrants become US citizens