First borrower passes citizenship test!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Eva Jimenez, CGF’s first borrower, recently passed her U.S. citizenship examination, just four months after receiving a loan from CGF to cover the application cost of $675 and the cost of legal representation $200. As Eva put it, “before CGF, I never thought I would become a citizen because I couldn’t afford it. Now I am so happy to be a citizen of this country.”
The test, comprised of 100 questions, gauged Eva’s understanding of American history, politics, and governmental procedures. After spending weeks preparing for the test, including some informal practice with CGF staff members, Eva passed the test on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. Eva will officially become a citizen on September 17, 2009.
This is very exciting news for Eva as well as for CGF. As a citizen, Eva will enjoy rights previously inaccessible through her legal permanent resident status, including the ability to vote, a greater sense of permanence in the U.S., and the ability to sponsor relatives that may want to immigrate to the country, to name a few. As Eva embarks on new journeys in her professional and personal life, her citizenship will add security to her sense of belonging in the U.S. and will give her a strengthened ability to participate in the American political system—opportunities many of us have been fortunate enough to already have. Eva is already thinking about seeking another loan from CGF after she pays off her citizenship loan. As an amazing writer and illustrator, she is interested in taking a loan to enable her to print and market her first children’s book—a wonderful story about Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the importance of tolerance and understanding.
