Immigration, naturalization classes Friday at local libraries

Whether you’re curious about the topic of immigration in the United States or you’re interested in becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen — or somewhere in between — representatives from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office will be presenting two informational programs Friday, March 22.

From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road, Inverness, learn about the naturalization process.

“This is for anyone who thinks they’re eligible or close to being eligible or they aren’t sure how to go about being eligible,” said Sharon Scheidhauer from the immigration office in Tampa. “We’ll talk about all the requirements, the forms and fees. One of the most helpful things we do is a mock interview. After a person files an application for naturalization and goes through fingerprinting, they get an appointment to come to our office in Tampa for an interview.

“People get nervous, and we don’t want anyone’s nervousness to prevent them from completing the process and obtaining citizenship,” she said.

There will also be free study materials for the naturalization test (while they last), and a time for general questions and answers.

From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Homosassa Library, at 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., “Immigration 101” will give a broad overview about immigration, such as the different ways people come to the U.S., how to obtain immigration benefits, a little bit about naturalization and how to avoid immigration scams.

Susan Mutschler, public services manager for the Citrus County Library System, said whenever the library has its twice-a-year citizenship classes, between 12 and 25 people attend.

She said the spring seven-week citizenship classes will begin April 17.

For information, call the Homosassa Library at 352-628-5626.

Contact Chronicle reporter Nancy Kennedy at 352-564-2927 or nkennedy@chronicleonline.com.

Free citizenship class series

Beginning April 17, the Citrus County Library System will be offering a seven-week U.S. citizenship program at the Homosassa Public Library. The free classes are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays from April 17 to May 29. Materials will be provided.

Volunteer tutors Cherie Byrnes, Connie Howell, Vickie Caligure and Mona Peters will be the instructors.

Immigration lawyer Friedrich Casutt von Batemberg will give a special presentation at the final class May 29.

Participants in the seven weeks of classes will gain assistance in the goal of passing the U.S. Naturalization Exam.

Test topics to be reviewed include: American history, branches of government, courts and legal system, and famous Americans.

Learners will receive sample test questions and have interview practice.

Registration is recommended. For information, contact library staff at 352-628-5626.