María González, a 60-year-old Mexican national, with 42 years of residency in the United States, came to the U.S. at the age of 15. Mrs. Gonzalez made the decision to apply for Citizenship to have more benefits since at that time she was going through an emotional and economic crisis due to a work accident, which she was fired without obtaining any benefits.

“I heard about SWOP from a sister who saw the information in a store,” states Mrs. Gonzalez.

Maria shares, “I chose the organization, SWOP, because Graciela (an outreach navigator) is a motivating person, who was always aware of my preparation process and steps. I could not have done this process on my own, because I was not aware of the process, or the financial aid offered. I am very grateful to Graciela because she guided me through the process by giving me all the information to collect all the documents, making the process easier for me. She also took the time for me to have all the information ready, even until the day of my interview with Immigration, getting me a person to serve as an interpreter.”

With SWOP’s help, Mrs. Gonzalez feels she did not have any obstacles in the process.

By fulfilling this dream, one of Maria’s goals to be able to vote in future elections will be reached. She shares, “All I want to do is to travel to my country of origin and spend time without having the worry of being back in the U.S. in a certain time. Because of the good service I received from Graciela, I have been motivating other people to do the same as me and refer them to SWOP to get the same good service I received. I feel proud and calm because nothing was difficult and with all the help we were given, there is no reason not to do it.”

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If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming a U. S. citizen, reach out to Imaltzin Astorga, iastorga@swopchicago.org

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