Free U.S. citizenship classes to help immigrants pass naturalization test

Before any eligible immigrant is granted U.S. citizenship, they have to know the answers to the naturalization test’s 100 civic questions.

The Yuma County Library District is helping people on their path to U.S. citizenship, with classes to practice for that test.

Rosa Zaravia is a full time certified nursing assistant who spends her Friday mornings volunteering at the Yuma Main Library as a citizenship class instructor.

She remembers coming to this country in 1984 as a field worker and at the time, leaving her daughter behind in Mexico.

Then in 1991, Zarabia finally applied for U.S. citizenship and passed the naturalization test.

Understanding how intimidating it can be to learn English and take the naturalization test, Zaravia wants immigrants to know they can do it as well.

” [Immigrants] are scared to do the test. That’s why I’m a volunteer here because I want to help. I want to let them know they can do it, and don’t wait, ” said Zaravia .

She added most people in this country with green cards are seeking U.S. citizenship to be eligible for more economic opportunities, the right to vote, and like Zaravia , to help their children gain citizenship as well.

Knowing how important it is to her students, Zarabia is determined to help them practice all 100 civic questions so that they’re prepared to test with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer.

The Yuma County Library District citizenship classes are available for free at all branches in both English and Spanish.