225 6th Street, Suite B
P.O. Box 1534
Alamosa, CO 81101
719-587-3225 (phone)
719-587-0045 (fax)
irc@slvirc.org

Education/Outreach Coordinator:
Jim Sanchez

Community Coordinator: Antonio Sandoval

click here for faces of IRC

English as a Second Language 

Spanish

For more information about Spanish or Citizenship classes call 587-3225

Citizenship

In order for a refugee or immigrant to become a citizen he or she must learn a new language, prepare for, take and pass an exam, pay significant fees, and overcome vast amounts of red tape. This is a difficult process to undertake without direction and guidance.

In addition, citizenship is an important status for anyone living in the United States. Not only are citizens granted the central democratic right to suffrage, but citizens are included in the judicial process by serving on juries, have access to public benefits including federal jobs, and have the opportunity to be civically involved, especially by exercising their right to vote. When an immigrant or refugee becomes a citizen he or she has access to all of these benefits. Naturalization also helps the family members of former-refugees and immigrants to immigrate more quickly and automatically conveys citizenship status to children who are under 18, are lawful permanent residents, and in the parent’s legal and physical custody.