A Houston mother who spent more than 20 years as a permanent resident said fear, money and uncertainty kept her from applying for citizenship.
She said she did not know where to go, how to study or how to afford the process. Her experience reflects what many long-term residents face across Harris County.
Inside the classrooms where she studied, rows of notebooks and practice sheets sat stacked near the whiteboard. Reyna Ortiz described the years she hesitated to apply and the steps that finally helped her push forward.
Reyna moved to Houston from Mexico City after her parents and brothers had already settled here. She said she needed English lessons but could not afford private programs. She searched for a place that felt safe and walked into Community Family Centers in the East End.
“I came to look for English classes,” Reyna said. “I went here and everything I have learned about English, apart from the assistance to help me with my citizenship, has been free. I learned everything here.”
Reyna said she returned to the center many times for English classes and later for citizenship preparation. She said she did not feel confident with the language and worried she would fail the interview. The $760 application fee also made her wait.
She called her first vote an emotional moment.
“A feeling of mixed emotions about everything one goes through in this country as an immigrant. Then, feeling that they put that little circle here that says you voted is a unique experience,” she said.
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Harris County has more than 1 million foreign-born residents. Many hold permanent resident status and qualify for citizenship but never apply. Staff members at Community Family Centers say residents stay away because of the cost, the English requirement and fear of the civics interview.
Paul Landa, director of education and workforce services, said the center created its citizenship program after seeing how many residents felt stuck.
“So here at Community Family Centers we provide a wide array of services that support our families from the area,” Landa said. He described English classes, civics instruction and interview practice for adults who want to apply.
He said the most important part is building trust.
“Developing that sense of confidence in getting over the nerve piece is very important and where we provide those role-playing activities,” Landa said.
Landa said many residents who join the program have not been in a classroom in 50 or 60 years. He said instructors help them practice conversation, answer civics questions and prepare for the officer’s interview.
“If you are older and you have not been to school in 50 years, 60 years, yes, you can learn,” Landa said.
The center partners with Houston Volunteer Lawyers to help residents understand their history, review records and prepare the naturalization application. Staff attorney Jessica Zarate said every case begins with a legal screening.
“One of the first things we do is the assessment, the legal assessment, because every single case is different. We determine whether or not they are eligible to apply for citizenship,” Zarate said.
Zarate said many residents believe they cannot apply because of the cost. She said attorneys help residents apply for fee waivers when they qualify.
“If they are lower income, we can help them to apply for a fee waiver. Which basically waives the $760,” Zarate said.
Reyna passed the exam, took her oath and said the experience changed the way she sees her future.
“It feels like our voice has power. I can decide what I want for myself, for my son, for the family,” she said.
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