From Chicago's Little Village neighborhood to Des Plaines to Dixon, Illinois, many families decided that one of the most important gifts this season is the gift of US Citizenship. At a price tag of $675 per person, many families cannot afford to apply for US Citizenship as the Christmas holiday approaches. But, at least 75 families chose to spend their hard-earned money on Citizenship this season, and came to workshops on the Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Universidad Popular on Chicago's south side, hosted its first workshop, attended by State Representative Dan Burke, State Senator Tony Muñoz, and State Senator Susana Mendoza. The Citizenship workshop was held in conjunction with a winter coat give-away for needy families in the neighborhood, highlighting the financial hardship of many families.

The largest crowd of 25 applicants applied at the Des Plaines Public Library at workshop hosted by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Finally, in the first week of December, Immigration Project of Bloomington, Illinois hosted workshops in Kankakee, Bloomington, and Dixon Illinois, attracting 15 applicants from Central and Downstate Illinois.

Additional workshops were held by Centro Romero and Centro Sin Fronteras.

In spite of the high cost, many families are prioritizing Citizenship this holiday season, working to become US Citizens in 2010!