The Regional Assistant Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations congratulated the leaders of associations and others who work with the Azorean Diaspora in the USA for their meritorious work. He also called for the need to strengthen initiatives organised among migrants, particularly in matters related to legalisation.
 
In his letter, Rui Bettencourt stressed that the Regional Government regards these initiative "as essential," taking into consideration that they have deserved its support and cooperation, such as citizenship and English classes. The government official also mentioned the legalisation and social support offices or the information sessions on legal and administrative issues regarding residency in foreign territory.
 
"We are aware that the full integration of emigrants into the host societies not only contributes to their recovery and active participation, but also generates added value by strengthening relations between the Diaspora and the Autonomous Region of the Azores," said the letter sent by the Regional Assistant Secretary to the Houses of the Azores of New England and Hilmar, Catholic Social Services or Ser Jobs, among others. 
 
In this regard, the Regional Director for Communities attended last week naturalisation ceremony where Portuguese emigrants of Azorean origin took the oath of allegiance. The event was held at the premises of Immigrants' Assistance Center in New Bedford.
 
Paulo Teves was invited by the Immigrants' Assistance Center to attend this important event. The government official noted the many initiatives that this and other organisations have develop for the benefit of Portuguese Diaspora, namely from the Azores, always in search for stable residency solutions in the USA and for responses to the difficulties that emigrants face.
 
At this ceremony, the emigrants acquired US citizenship after having attended the preparatory courses developed by the Immigrants' Assistance Center, which has the Regional Government's support.
 
Founded by a group of Portuguese residents in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Immigrants' Assistance Center has the mission to help immigrants overcome the economic, cultural and language barriers they face as well as to promote their integration into the US society. This entity is recognised and accredited by US Citizenship and Immigration Services.