Immigration and Citizenship Services

US Census 2010—Oklahoma population 5-years-and-over who speak English less than very well—2.9% or 103,230
US Census ACS 2009–2013—Oklahoma population 5-years-and-over who speak English less than very well—3% or 103,860

cover of immigration services manual Oklahoma’s population demographics are changing and one of the results is an increasing demand for English classes and help in obtaining US citizenship.

The process of becoming a United States citizen can be lengthy, complicated, and expensive, making it a formidable process for many non-native speakers. The ability to find information, English classes, and other resources may add to the frustration.

To meet this need, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, in collaboration with libraries and literacy programs in three communities, recently launched a new citizenship and immigration pilot project.

Three $15,000 grants have been awarded to library and community-based programs to provide resources for immigrants preparing for citizenship. Funds were awarded to Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services, Great Plains Literacy Council in Altus, and Cleveland County Literacy Program, Norman.

Great Plains Literacy Council Past President Jacquelyn Parrish, GPLC Coordinator Ida Fay Winters, SPLS Director Katherine Hale, and Rebecca Barker at the Altus Public Library “Citizenship Corner” area with two computers designated to immigration and citizenship sites and display of USCIS materials.

Bartlesville Public Library patrons are welcomed by a large display of citizenship information.

Local literacy programs will work closely with their public library to provide direction, technology assistance, and free classes or one-to-one tutoring. Participants can review citizenship study materials, practice listening and responding to citizenship interview questions, access online practice tests, and have guidance throughout the application process.

Bartlesville Public Library added a new computer to their Citizenship Corner for the convenience of immigrants searching for naturalization information.

Instructors utilize the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS ) website for civic interviews, flashcards and tests, as well as other print and on-line resources. Participating libraries have established “citizenship corners” where information is readily available.

The Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office facilitates meetings between the USCIS community relations representative from Dallas and Oklahoma pilot sites representatives to answer questions, address concerns and share best practices.

The project is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) which announced a national collaboration with USCIS to enhance the resources available in libraries throughout the country and strengthen the ability of librarians to guide immigrants to the most accurate and current information available. Concerning the national collaboration, former IMLS Director Susan Hildreth said, “We believe this partnership is a critical step toward making knowledge about the immigration process readily available and accessible to immigrant communities throughout the country, easing the process for others to become fellow Americans.” See more on IMLS and immigration.

Presenters Dr. Michael Jones [left] , Division Chief, Education and Training, and Jesus Ramirez, Community Relations Specialist, from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with Adriana Losoya Chavez, of the McClain County Literacy Program. • Ms. Chavez attended the training as a representative of the Pioneer Library System. The Pioneer system is a citizenship/immigration pilot site in partnership with ODL. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the project purpose is to increase and enhance services to English language learners.” Go here for more information about the IMLS project.

To contact staff of the Literacy Resource Office, use ODL's Staff Contact Form or Department Contact Form.

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