Literacy Council of Reading-Berks announces registration for citizenship preparation classes

Michelle Lynch, Reading Eagle, Pa.
·2 min read

Dec. 18—Understanding the process of becoming a U.S. citizen can seem daunting to some immigrants seeking naturalization, especially those for whom English is a second language.

That's why the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks is offering citizenship preparation classes.

The program aimed at helping adult immigrants living in Berks become citizens begins in January.

"By preparing for naturalization, immigrants gain tools to meet their responsibilities as successful U.S. citizens," said Ryan A. Breisch, executive director of the council, which was founded in 1968.

Announced in October, the program is funded by a $250,000 grant — the largest ever received by the council — from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The funding will enable the council to serve 200 immigrants over the next 20 months in a total of eight 48-hour sessions, Breisch said.

Upcoming classes will be held four hours a week for 12 weeks.

Breisch said coursework is built on the model approach recommended by the Citizen Resource Center of the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and integrates the English-language skills and U.S. history and civics knowledge needed to successfully complete the naturalization process.

"Curriculum content will include American symbols and celebrations, U.S. history, U.S. government and the rights and responsibilities of American citizens," he said.

Participants will strengthen their English-language skills, including reading, writing and vocabulary, and improve their understanding of the rights and duties of U.S. citizenship with the goal of integrating into American society.

The council will collaborate with Aldea-The People's Justice Center to offer citizenship application services to lawful permanent residents of the county, Breisch said.

The center has been providing free and low-cost immigration legal services to the Reading area since 2016.

Document preparation, representation at court hearings and USCIS interviews and other legal services are provided by licensed attorneys with the assistance of legal support staff.

Last year Aldea prioritized outreach to immigrants in need of naturalization services, center officials said, and since June 2021 it has worked on 40 cases involving citizenship and naturalization with a 100% success rate.

Center officials expect to file at least 200 additional naturalization applications over the next two years, thanks to the partnership with the literacy council.

These are applications that would not otherwise be filed, Breisch said.

"We are proud to be able to promote the integration, inclusion and citizenship of 200 immigrants over the next two years," he said.

Registration for the upcoming class will be held Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court St. and at 6:30 p.m. at the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, 35 S. Dwight St., West Lawn.