Lao Advancement Organization of America

Lao Advancement Organization of America (LAO America) started its citizenship education in 1997. Each year more than 30 Lao adults, who obtain the citizenship, gain access to government assistance that for them may be their only source of income. Adults who gain citizenship improve their employment opportunities and/or the ability to advance on the job. Also, in a political environment that has more diverse candidates and more polarization of views, gaining the right to vote is important to the individual and community.

This program serves all individuals who come to LAO America for assistance. However the project will prioritize its outreach and services to focus on limited English speakers, often elderly, Lao and Hmong individuals.

The program provides citizenship education and citizenship ESL classes; and, supports the naturalization application preparation process by providing interpretation and translation to assist limited English speaking individuals in filling out forms, gathering required documentation, and meeting with an attorney, obtaining fingerprints, and completing the interview process. Transportation is provided for those who do not drive.

When students show a proficiency that is likely to result in passing a citizenship interview, students are referred to Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis for assistance. Student progress in pursuing naturalization is tracked via milestones in the naturalization process, such as completing the N-400 form, obtaining medical and fee waiver certificate, attending naturalization interview and taking the oath of citizenship.
Right now, part of the education services is provided by a grant from Metropolitan Area of Agency (MAAA). Transportation for eligible elders age 60 and up is granted under subcontract with PRISM.

All citizenship education services at LAO America are provide free of charge, BUT DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

If you have any questions, please call: Khao Insixiengmay at 612.302.9048 or e-mail: khinsixiengmay@laoamerica.org and Bounleuth Gowing at 612.767.1684 or e-mail: bgowing@laoamerica.org

These rules are for people 18 years old or older who want to apply for U.S. citizenship. If you are under 18, there are different rules that apply to you.

You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States (have a green card) for at least the last 5 years; or for the last 3 years, if you have been married to a U.S. citizen during that time.
You must make your home in the U.S. during that time. You must actually be in the U.S. for a total of at least half that time, and not leave the U.S. for more than six months at once during that time. You must have good moral character.You must have an interview in English and pass a test in English, U.S. history and government. There are different ways to take the test. And if you are 50 years old or older and have had your green card for a long time, you might not have to do this in English.
You must swear allegiance to the United States

US Citizenship Program