News From the Border

Providing the news from a different front but from a war that we must win as well! I recognize the poverty and desperate conditions that many Latinos live in. We, as the USA, have a responsibility to do as much as we can to reach out to aid and assist spiritually with the Gospel and naturally with training, technology and resources. But poverty gives no one the right to break the laws of another sovereign nation.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Citizenship: ESL classes popular

More immigrants opt to learn English
By Louie Gilot / El Paso Times
El Paso Times

Victor M. Luna, a 62-year-old U.S. Army veteran who lives in El Paso County, finally decided to apply for naturalization this year. He filed the paperwork and paid the $400 fee. But he needed to do one more thing.

He signed up for English as a Second Language classes so he could "learn more words" and be ready for his citizenship test, he explained.

"I need two more months. Then, I think I will be ready," he said slowly, weighing each word.

Applications for citizenship increased 42 percent in El Paso -- 18 percent nationwide -- in the first three months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to figures from Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Observers said the increase is partly motivated by a perception of growing anti-immigrant sentiment and the desire of green-card holders to secure their stay in the United States.

Along with the increase in citizenship applications, there has been an increase in attendance at ESL classes, educators and advocates reported.

posted by missionaryman | 7:33 AM

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