Embracing the American Dream: Alief ISD's Pathway to Citizenship
For many immigrant families, the American Dream symbolizes hope and security. A crucial step towards achieving this dream is obta
ining U.S. citizenship. Thanks to the dedication of Alief ISD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department and the support from a local grant, this aspiration is becoming a reality for many.
All Families Engaged Project
The All Families Engaged Project, spearheaded by FACE, offers vital support to immigrant families on their journey to citizenship. This initiative provides Citizenship Preparation, ESL classes, and educational resources tailored to the needs of the diverse community.
The journey begins with Citizenship Information Sessions, where families receive essential guidance on navigating the Citizenship Application process. Following the session, participants can attend the Citizenship Community Help Fair at the Alief Center for Talent Development.
Citizenship Application Assistance
The process starts with determining eligibility for citizenship and completing the necessary N-400 forms. Participants receive help from both volunteers and immigration lawyers, who offer individual assistance as needed. Once the N-400 form is completed, participants proceed to a final checkout to ensure their application is ready for submission. Each participant is provided with an envelope to mail their citizenship application, and all legal assistance is offered free of charge. 
Alief ISD extends its gratitude to partners such as the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), Harris County Housing and Community Development, Justice for All Immigrants, Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project (GHIRP), Bonding Against Diversity, Mi Familia En Accion, and Baker Ripley for their role in the success of this initiative.
Citizenship Preparation and ESL Classes
To prepare for the citizenship test, participants are invited to Citizenship Preparation Classes, designed to boost confidence and readiness for interviews. Additionally, ESL classes at the FACE Family Center help ensure that language barriers do not impede progress.
Citizenship classes are held once or twice a week at selected campuses, with flexible scheduling to accommodate participants’ needs, especially as their citizenship interviews approach. To further support their busy lives, review materials are conveniently sent electronically. Alief’s FACE Department hosts recognition events to celebrate the hard work and courage of new citizens, acknowledging the new opportunities that citizenship brings, from scholarships to better job prospects and civic engagement.
Expanding Impact and Collaboration
Looking forward, Alief ISD is committed to expanding its reach to support more families, including high school students eligible for citizenship. Empowering youth is essential to building a brighter future for the community.
Alief ISD is eager to continue working with existing nonprofit partners and to form new alliances that will enhance collective impact. This work is a collaborative effort, driven by shared vision and community engagement, which allows us to grow and serve more families.
In a community rich with cultural diversity, Alief stands as a proud partner in this endeavor. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community—one family at a time.