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Hope for New Citizens
Join the Campaign Today!
Challenging times demand action. Immigrants are among the most vulnerable in our society and have been hard hit by the current health and economic crisis. Despite the great value they contribute to our culture, economy, and social fabric, the vast majority of the millions of legal permanent residents who are eligible to become citizens each year do not. For many, the cost for applications, language, unfamiliarity with the process, fear, and other barriers prevent them from taking the last step needed to enjoy their full participation in our society.
Citizenship means access to a stable network of support, quality health care, employment opportunities, and a greater voice in the decisions that impact daily life. The coming months hold even more uncertainty for those who do not yet have access to the benefits that citizenship affords.
As we confront the injustices facing those who are marginalized and underserved in our communities, the Hope for New Citizens campaign is one way that you can take ACTION - right now, and right from wherever you are.
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) is making vital legal representation, referrals, and information accessible to immigrants in the heart of North Philadelphia. It's what we've done for the past 12 years - as a trusted source of hope.
You can help us to tear down the barriers to naturalization for immigrants ready to become new citizens today by making a donation and inviting your own network to support this urgent cause! Together, we can send a powerful message of solidarity and support.
https://www.esperanza.us/eils/
Thank you for your generous donations towards our first goal of $7,500. We have adjusted the thermometer to reflect the next steps in our journey to reach $20,000!
You can join Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) from right where you are to make a difference – today.
It’s simple to do. A few moments can make all the difference in the life of an immigrant and their family.
Here's how to get started...
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Click on the "Register" button below to create your own fundraising page or create one with a team
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Set the goal you hope to raise: $200-$500 for individual pages and $1,000 for teams is usually recommended
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Share your page on social media and spread the word! Invite others to donate and watch that $ raised thermometer rise!
We are looking to raise $20,000!
*Each dollar you or your team donates will be matched 1:1! *
Rosalia’s Journey to Citizenship During COVID-19
The world has rapidly shifted in many ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One transition millions have had to adjust to is virtual learning and services. In 2014, Rosalia traveled to the United States to be reunited with her children and grandchildren after her son filed a petition on her behalf. After spending five years in the U.S. as a green card holder, she began the naturalization process to ensure a future with her loved ones in her new home.
As part of the naturalization process, applicants must take a civics test in English. Rosalia did not have strong English-speaking skills and did not qualify for a language waiver, which is available to applicants over the age of 55 who have held a U.S. green card for at least 15 years. Rosalia and EILS staff were determined to work together to overcome this barrier.
Around the time Rosalia began her application, COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. EILS closed its physical doors for the health and safety of our clients and transitioned much of its programming to an online format. EILS offered Rosalia free, online citizenship classes with our bilingual staff and she bravely signed up to attend. Despite the sudden change to virtual classes, Rosalia remained committed with the help of her son to help guide her through. EILS sent the citizenship application to her house and helped her to fill out the paperwork correctly.
With the help of her son and EILS’s bilingual team, Rosalia received the customized support she needed to continue moving forward – even in a time of great transition. Rosalia has attended each citizenship class thus far and showed great progress through her most recent English assessment test. EILS will continue to work with Rosalia while she waits for her application to be processed and courageously pursues her dream of a rich life with family here.
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EILS Hope for New Citizens Campaign