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Free Citizenship Screening a Success

September 27, 2010 by Thomas Esparza  
Filed under Features

News 8 Austin Article:

Citizenship seekers get help in becoming Americans

By: Bonnie Gonzalez

A large graphic of the United States is projected onto a screen. Over the intercom, a narrator’s voice said “Every year many people come to the United States from all over the world. Most of you can apply to become U.S. citizens after living in the United States for five years.”

During the first session, a crowd of at least 100 had their eyes fixed on the screen. They watched inside a room at the Austin Community College Eastview Campus and learned about the citizenship process. It was a screening event put on by the Immigrant Services Network of Austin. 

“Here we not only have the information for how to obtain citizenship, but they can have immediate referrals to organizations that can help them,” Event co-chair Anna Paola Ferate-Soto said.

It was a one stop shop to help immigrants cut through the red tape of becoming a citizen. They even got study material for the naturalization test.

Shaila Abdullah wished she had a seminar like this when she went down the road to becoming an American. She came here from Pakistan more than 10 years ago. 

“It’s a great country to be in. You know, you can practice both of your cultures, and we are trying to give our both Pakistani and American culture to our daughter,” Abdullah said.

Abdullah said that was the reason she attended the event. Her daughter Aanyah was recognized for her interpretation of America through a painting and short essay.

“It’s amazing to watch her development unfold in this culture. It is amazing because you can do anything here,” Abdullah said.

It’s a culture others hope to be a part of as well.

This was the first time the brought agencies together for the event.

It was a pilot project but organizers hope to host another one next year.

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WARNING: This site is comprised of general information that should not be misconstrued as formal legal advice. The author neither recommends, nor takes responsibility for, misuse of the provided information. Rather, it is strongly encouraged that you seek appropriate legal counsel before proceeding forward with your immigration matters. formal legal advice. The author neither recommends, nor takes responsibility for, misuse of the provided information. Rather, it is strongly encouraged that you seek appropriate legal counsel before proceeding forward with your immigration matters.

ADVERTENCIA: Este sitio se compone de información general que no debe ser interpretada como asesoramiento jurídico formal. El autor no recomienda, ni asume la responsabilidad del uso indebido de la información proporcionada. Más bien, es recomendado que usted busque asesoramiento legal apropiado antes de proceder con sus asuntos de inmigración.