Gislaine Williams, a program officer for civic engagement at the Houston Endowment private foundation, has dedicated herself to helping others navigate the path to U.S. citizenship. Growing up in Fort Bend County as a Honduran native, Williams did not become a U.S. citizen until she turned 18.
Recently, the Houston Endowment announced a significant $400,000 grant aimed at expanding free citizenship classes offered by the Houston Public Library system. This funding will provide stipends for 15 instructors who will teach classes at various library branches across the city, a substantial increase from the four instructors available prior to this grant.
Currently, around 360,000 individuals in Houston are legally residing in the United States, primarily on green cards, yet have not initiated the process to become citizens. Williams emphasizes the importance of naturalization: “Naturalization is a priority area for us. Everybody knows about the right to vote and freedom to travel, some of the key benefits of citizenship. The research also shows that citizens can earn higher wages, and they have higher rates of homeownership. We see it as a really big investment in our community.”
Citizenship also opens doors to additional benefits, such as the ability to obtain a passport and eligibility for government support programs. Gaspar Guevara, the community involvement coordinator for Houston Public Library, highlights an important aspect: if an adult with dependent minors is granted citizenship, their children automatically gain citizenship as well.
Despite these advantages, several barriers hinder individuals from pursuing citizenship. The application fee for the citizenship test is approximately $760, posing a financial challenge for many. Some citizens also struggle with the time commitment required for the process, while others fear repercussions from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In response, Guevara assures prospective applicants that these fears are unfounded. Classes are scheduled at various times throughout the day and evening at library branches located in neighborhoods with significant immigrant populations. Participants in the courses receive a waiver covering half the application fee, along with information about additional financial assistance options.
The classes meet once a week for two hours over a six-week period, with breaks of two weeks between each series. While individuals can drop in, registration is highly encouraged to ensure participation. Guevara points out, “We’ve had to change the narrative and spread the word that we are a safe environment. There is a lot of misinformation out there.”
These citizenship classes are open to anyone, regardless of how long they have been in the country or their English proficiency level. The curriculum encompasses essential areas such as reading and writing, civics, test preparation, and mock naturalization interviews.
Williams identifies fear of failing the citizenship test as one of the primary reasons individuals hesitate to begin the naturalization process. Alarmingly, about 40% of those eligible for naturalization in Houston have resided in the United States for over 20 years, leading many to feel reluctant to spend money on a test they fear they may not pass.
She states, “They’re part of our community and they’re American in every sense, but some people just don’t have the confidence level. They’re really scared of the test. Something that Houston Public Library is able to do is build their confidence level and prepare them to go into the citizenship interview.”
The citizenship exam, which includes questions about U.S. government and history, can prove challenging even for those born in the country. Common questions might include inquiries like, “How many members are in the House of Representatives?”, “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?”, and “Who did the United States fight in World War II?”
Guevara, who previously offered English and citizenship classes for the Harris County Public Library System, joined the City of Houston in 2023. Since his arrival, over 1,200 individuals have participated in citizenship courses, with enrollment tripling within the last year, largely in response to a growing desire for protection from deportation.
Though Guevara was born in the United States, his parents underwent the naturalization process in 1984 and 1990. He reflects on their experience, noting the absence of citizenship and ESL classes, and aims to make the process easier for others. He adds, “Those who don’t pass a particular section of the test get a second chance to take it again. My father had to take one section of the exam twice.”
With a commitment to making citizenship classes more accessible, Williams praised the Houston Public Library for its thoughtful and data-driven approach in offering these resources to the community. The library even refers participants to nonprofit legal resources when necessary.
As the first member of her family to take the citizenship test, Williams understands the challenges faced by those navigating the process. “I’m a naturalized citizen, and even though I knew a lot of the information on the citizenship test, it was still such a nerve-wracking, intimidating process that I did all by myself. I wish I had known about resources like the Houston Public Library classes because I know it would have gone a long way for me.”
In closing, she emphasizes the importance of awareness: “It’s just important for people to know there’s support out there.”
The Houston Public Library remains committed to expanding access to citizenship classes, fostering confidence among participants, and ultimately strengthening the community by helping individuals achieve their American dream.
image source from：houstonpress
