ANOTHER CWS Student Passes Citizenship Exam!

Thuong Vu, an immigrant from Vietnam who has been in the United States for six years, stated, “I took the citizenship test two times and didn’t pass. Then, I took the citizenship class with Church World Service, and passed the test after three times.” Thuong, and his wife Vy, have four children, ages 11-18. The oldest daughter attends school at UNCG and is studying biology. The other three children, under the age of 18, will automatically become citizens, since their parents naturalized.

Thuong explained that he is very busy, working at Royal Nail Salon, and it was hard to find time to study.  But because it was a priority, he attended class twice a week at Church World Service to help him pass the test. The most helpful part of the class for Thuong was learning about the questions and vocabulary words on the N-400 form. That was the portion of the citizenship that he did not pass. The N-400 form is the application submitted in order to naturalize. It has many difficult vocabulary words and grammar for non-native English speakers to understand. Even if an immigrant speaks and understands English, the N-400 form is still a difficult application to understand. In CWS’ citizenship class, the students’ learn the vocabulary used on this application, and also practice interview etiquette needed to pass the test.

Thuong explained the he plans to vote as soon as he attends the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. After immigrants pass the citizenship test, they must attend an oath ceremony before they officially become a citizen. At this ceremony, they promise to be loyal to the United States Constitution. After, Thuong attends the oath ceremony, he plans to vote and make sure he is educated about various ways he can be involved in his community. Thuong said he is grateful for CWS’ citizenship class that helped him to pass the test, and he stated that he will “tell friends to take the class.”