Guest editorial: Our local citizenship assistance program

Please help get the word out about a citizenship assistance program available here in Sonoma Valley to help qualified lawful permanent residents (green card holders) become naturalized U.S. citizens. Sonoma Immigration Services offers multi-level citizenship classes which help prepare students with the English language skills and U.S. civics, history, and government knowledge needed to pass the federal naturalization examination. Citizenship classes are offered in both Spanish and English and are FREE for all students. 

Sonoma Immigration Services, in partnership with El Verano School, La Luz Center, and Parent University, has helped many local residents reach their dream of becoming U.S. citizens since the program began four years ago. Our citizenship classes help students prepare for the naturalization interview/exam by learning important interviewing strategies to increase their confidence with the interview process; practicing reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English; and understanding the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens. Over 50 students were enrolled in classes this Fall, and since August our team of volunteers has helped 20 people become citizens.

Participants must be lawful permanent residents who are, or will soon be, eligible to apply for naturalization, and they must bring their green cards to register. Two sessions of classes, approximately 14 weeks each, are held each year. 

I encourage local green card holders to contact Program Coordinator Mario Castillo at 707-227-4684 for additional information about our citizenship assistance program.

–– Nancy Wever, Citizenship Assistance Volunteer