Becoming American

Teacher Jennifer: "I am so proud of Alejandro, on of Citizenship students at the Gilroy Library. special thanks to Kimberly Ewertz of the Gilroy Dispatch, Gilroy Library, Morgan Hill Library, and Siren Bay Area, and most importantly, Alejandro--Thanks for sharing your story."

Becoming American
Kimberly Ewertz, Gilroy Dispatch

"Imagine taking an exam that will permanently alter the status of your life. Imagine that you’ve taken the classes, completed the homework, and invested hours of time studying for this test. Imagine that the exam is in a language that isn’t your own, and that a translator is forbidden. Imagine having to sit down face to face with a government officer who questions you, repeatedly, in a language foreign from your own. Imagine that this is the only way to achieve a goal you’ve been striving for years to attain. Imagine."

"This scenario is a reality for millions of individuals each year. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 20 million immigrants became naturalized U.S. citizens in 2014." (read more)