President Barack Obama on Thursday helped launch a campaign encouraging the eligible 8.8 million lawful permanent residents living inside the United States to become citizens. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama is encouraging the eligible 8.8 million lawful permanent residents living inside the United States to become citizens as part of a new campaign.

There are about 13.3 million legal permanent residents in the United States, with 8.8 million eligible for citizenship, including 3 million refugees from around the world who relocated since 1975. Nearly one out of every three people eligible for citizenship obtained their legal status in 1990 or before.


The "Stand Stronger" Citizenship Awareness Campaign, launched Thursday to commemorate the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day, aims to encourage those eligible to "take an important step in their American journey and commit to citizenship," according to a statement released by the White House.

The campaign, launched with the Civic Nation nonprofit group, will be promoted by several media outlets, including Univision and the People en Español lifestyle magazine. Nearly 20 cities have joined the initiative, including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

More than 70 outreach events will be held within the campaign's first week by businesses and nonprofit groups. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin allowing people to use credit cards to pay for the $680 naturalization fee.

"The true strength of a nation lies not in its might but in the courage and conviction of its people," Obama said in a video launching the campaign. "If you are eligible, commit to become a citizen today. Help others who are ready to take this step, as well. It is an important step for you, and an important step for our nation. Join us. Together we can make America to stand even stronger."

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will also launch a class locator that will allow people to find a citizenship or English class nearby and an interactive online civics practice test, which will assist people preparing to take citizenship examinations.