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Becoming a U.S. citizen [Q&A]


July 6, 2012
By The IRC

Refugee students review a lesson in American civics with an IRC volunteer in Abilene, Texas. Along with civics, the refugees are studying English as a second language as part of a U.S. government-supported citizenship education program.

Photo: Rachel Wages/IRC
ABILENE, Texas -

Germaine, a refugee from war-torn Republic of Congo, and her family were resettled by the International Rescue Committee in Abilene, Texas, in February 2007. She became a permanent resident in 2011 and, with the goal of becoming a citizen of the United States, has enrolled in an IRC citizenship education program, studying English as a second language and American civics. She is now in at intermediate level of both courses and participating in conversation classes. Rachel Wages, IRC civics instructor in Abilene, sat down with Germaine to talk to her about her experience taking IRC classes and her goal of citizenship.

 
Rachel: Tell us about coming to the United States. It must have been a dramatic change from Brazzaville.
 
Germaine: Things changed when the war started. We had to flee the country to Gabon without our belongings and lost everything. Eventually, with help from the IRC, my husband and three children—two sons and one daughter—arrived in Abilene. We left two adult sons and one adult daughter behind. In 2009, my daughter passed away, so I only have two sons left in Africa.
 
All of us in my family here are in the process of applying for citizenship. Here we feel free and don’t have to be afraid of anything. We have a new life and can begin to forget about the things we went through back in my country.
 
 
Rachel: Did you find the IRC’s English classes helpful?
 
Germaine: I am grateful and thankful to be in these classes. I’ve wanted to learn English since I arrived. But soon after we arrived, my husband was in the hospital and I didn’t have time for classes. The appeal to me of the IRC education program was that I could study both civics and ESL—and I could learn English and citizenship. I am looking forward to taking other classes after becoming a citizen so I can learn more. When I gain my citizenship, I hope to bring here my two sons who are still in Africa.
 
 
Rachel: What have been some of your challenges? Successes?
 
Germaine: One of the biggest challenges was speaking without an accent. I can read and write better than speak. The grammar lessons help, such as using verbs. It is helpful to read out loud, use the maps and flashcards, as well as the partner reading exercises. And I have memorized all the material for U.S. history—I know all the important dates!
 
 
Rachel: What were the best parts about the teachers and volunteers?
 
Germaine: You and the IRC volunteers take things slowly, sometimes word by word. I like the conversation clubs. 
 
 
Rachel: Are your family and friends and community supportive?

Germaine: Yes, they show support by giving me encouragement. They keep pushing me to go on, even though it is hard to learn a second language.


The citizenship education program is funded by a grant from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).


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1 comment

Comments

I have a green card but have

Submitted by Pamela Louis (not verified) on July 12, 2012 - 6:17pm.

I have a green card but have not completed citizenship
Can the IRC help me find citizenship
or is this a program only for refugees
Thanks for your help

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