A Client’s Story
Marie had to take 3 buses just to get to Esperanza. She suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, receives weekly dialysis treatment, and is in line to receive a kidney transplant. She is a single mother taking care of 5 children, 2 of whom are under 10 years old. She is unable to work because of her medical conditions and because she needs to take care of her young children. A native of Haiti, Marie had what seemed like an infinite number of obstacles to obtaining U.S. citizenship.

Marie came to EILS through our Haitian Community Program during the summer of 2010. She wanted to petition for her elderly mother in Haiti, but was ineligible as a lawful permanent resident. We discussed the possibility of Marie obtaining U.S. citizenship, but there was no way that she could afford the hefty $680 application fee, let alone any legal fees to get assistance filling out the application. Thanks to a grant from the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, EILS provided Marie with citizenship assistance free of charge and obtained a fee waiver for Marie as well, meaning that she didn’t have to pay a cent for her application.

EILS also arranged numerous study sessions with volunteers in order for Marie to get her English up to the level necessary to take the citizenship test. In May, on her second try, Marie passed the test and was sworn in as a proud U.S. citizen.


Read What Our Clients Are Saying:

“I got my citizenship application processed in record time and I am very thankful. I would recommend Esperanza Immigration Legal Services to my family and friends who need immigration help. Thank you so much and may God bless you!”
-Marizol, new United States citizen

“Thank you very much for your legal support, it was fundamental to my obtaining citizenship.”
-Alfonso, new United States Citizen
 
“I am very thankful for your efficient service and above all, for the kindness and treatment by the staff. Thank you.”
-Fabio, lawful permanent resident