Gateway to Citizenship Program

The Literacy Council’s Gateway to Citizenship Program is in partnership with Aldea- The People’s Justice Center and is funded by the Department of Homeland Security, office of USCIS.

Registration: Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 9:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 435 Court St. Reading, PA 19601, OR at 6:30 pm at Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, 35 S. Dwight St. West Lawn, PA 19609.

Please call the Literacy Council at 610.670.9960 to be added to the class interest list or email us here

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  • Students will speak, read, and write English at the high beginning ESL level.
  • Students will be able to answer 90 out of 100 civics questions.
  • Students will acquire knowledge about eligibility for naturalization, how to apply, and the interview process.
  • Students will be able to integrate civic participation skills via civic leader guest speakers and in-person or virtual field trips to various historical places.
  • Students will correctly read aloud interrogatory sentences derived from the USCIS vocabulary list.
  • Students will correctly write dictated declarative sentences derived from the USCIS writing vocabulary test.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the post-interview process, the logistics, and the requirements for the naturalization ceremony.
  • Students will acquire verbal skills to respond appropriately during the interview process pertaining to the N-400 information and civics test items and understand how to complete the N-400 with possible representation from Aldea.

Classes will be 4 hours per week for 12 weeks.

ELIGIBILITY FOR CITIZENSHIP

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
  • Applicant must have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for a continuous five-year period.
  • Applicant must be a person of good moral character — for example, one who has paid his/her taxes and not been convicted of a serious crime.

Citizenship Resources:

Do you need information about naturalization? Do you qualify? Do you need help studying?

Check these sites for assistance:

United States Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (Govt.).
-Find out about new or changed government rules and regulations.
-Check your eligibility, study for the test, or practice your English.

Citizenship Study Guide