Spring traditionally brings a sense of hope, and many immigrants’ hopes were realized this past spring by several Gables events. On May 14th, a workshop presented by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) provided updated information about the process of applying for permanent residency and/or becoming a U.S. citizen. On May 31st, a free citizenship clinic was held at Caroline Emmerton Hall, across the street from The Gables, where AmeriCorps volunteers trained by MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition) efficiently handled the flow of people. This clinic was a first for The Gables.
June 27th was a momentous day at The House of the Seven Gables as twenty-five people from fourteen different countries were sworn in as new citizens at a naturalization ceremony held on the oceanfront lawn. Honored guests and speakers included Congressman John Tierney, Judge Frank J. Bailey (Chief Bankruptcy Judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts), and Kara McLaughlin (Executive Director at The Gables). Special thanks goes to Helen Rush-Lloyd, Settlement Committee member, for arranging these events to be held on our site.