Citizens take oath at new immigration center

JOHNSTON, R.I.—Twenty-two people were sworn in as U.S. citizens Wednesday as federal immigration officials opened a new field office in Johnston.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials said the new office is more user-friendly and that it is twice as large as the current office in Providence. The nearly 15,000-square foot, energy-efficient-building is one of 37 new immigration facilities being built across the country.

The range of services offered includes naturalization interviews and processing for lawful permanent resident applicants.

An agency spokesman said the new facility is also easily accessible with public transportation and has plenty of parking.

The Johnston office is expected to process about 5,500 applications for benefits during the next fiscal year.