Lincoln nonprofits offer free citizenship classes amid immigration uncertainty

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In the heart of the Capital City, students are learning what it takes to become a citizen.

“The citizenship classes are designed for people who need more support learning the English necessary to pass the citizenship interview,” said Sarah Kringle, the Citizenship Coordinator for El Centro De Las Americas.

The Asian Community & Cultural Center partnered with El Centro de las Americas, Lutheran Family Services and the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance to give free citizenship classes to those in need.

Once students have finished the 10-week course, they receive a certificate for free legal assistance to fill out a N-400 citizenship application.

The course includes reading comprehension, writing and speaking before taking a ten question test.

The ten questions are chosen from a pool of 100 civics questions.

Kringle said right now, giving immigrants some support is vital.

“We have people that if they don’t take the class, they end up going to the interview and many times, they don’t pass,” she said. “Sometimes people are not prepared. They may not be aware of the steps necessary to become prepared.”

She adds that the classes also provide a sense of community.

“It just encourages them together to move towards that goal of citizenship,” she said. “They are an inspiration to each other. And then they also have the resources they need to accomplish that goal so they’re able to inspire each other and also have the steps in mind.”

And she said seeing the results of those who complete the class is the best part of the course.

“It’s exciting to see them be able to reach that point of stability in their lives and accomplish that goal that they’re looking forward to accomplishing,” she said.