Arkansas National Guard Pfc. Kirill Pavlovich Maslakov, a Pine Bluff resident, who is originally from Russia will be honored in a Citizenship Recognition Ceremony for his completion of the naturalization process to become a citizens of the United States at 1 p.m. today in the Arkansas State Capitol’s Old Supreme Court Chamber in Little Rock.
Maslakov earned his citizenship through a program offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The program allows individuals of foreign heritage to enlist in the military provided they have established permanent residence and are an authorized “green-card” holder. The naturalization process normally takes several years with numerous steps, and at a cost of approximately $600 to $700, but the process can be expedited with all fees waived for members of the military.