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US Government to Fund Citizenship Classes for Immigrants

   Elizabeth Lee | Washington 24 September 2010
   Classes  teach  students English and the history and government of the
   United States

Photo: VOA - E. Lee

   Classes  like  this  one  teach  students  English and the history and
   government of the United States.

   Illegal  immigration  often  is  the  subject  of heated debate in the
   United  States. What gets less attention is legal immigration, and how
   newcomers  become  citizens.  It  is not easy. They have to pay a fee,
   learn  English and acquire a working knowledge of American history and
   government.  Many  end  up knowing more about their new country than a
   lot of native-born U.S. citizens.
   This year, the U.S. government is providing financial support for more
   than  70  organizations  across  the  country to offer classes to help
   immigrants attain citizenship.
   In a classroom just outside of Washington, a small group of immigrants
   learns  what it means to be an American. The class costs $100 and is a
   financial  hardship  for  many of them. "Because a lot of people right
   now they don't have the money to pay the class," said one man.

   Elsy  Ventura,  from  El  Salvador,  said "I'm a single mom, my mother
   lives with me and I have to support everybody."
   But  after October 1, many classes will be free for immigrants through
   a program funded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

   Donna  Kinerney  at  Montgomery  College  said "If you don't have this
   access  to  these  resources  then  folks are really left to their own
   devices.  Some folks will do just great with that and other folks will
   really  struggle."  She  expects  to  see more students at citizenship
   classes  when  they  are  free. Last year, 13 organizations received a
   total of just over $1 million.
   This  year  the  funding  has  grown  to  almost $8 million, making it
   possible  for  75  organizations  to  hold  classes  like this one for
   immigrants who want to be U.S. citizens.
   The  classes  teach students English and the history and government of