A terrific story about how much a library can help anyone. This family studied many books from their library, learned English with tapes and books, attended citizenship classes in the library and are now citizens and legal residents with all the freedom that gives them. DP
by Jeffrey Javier - The Arizona Republic
azcentral.com: Alma Romero was afraid to leave her home.
She and her husband, Ramon, were both illegal immigrants, and she would not go out for fear of being deported.
She had wanted to travel with her husband and two daughters for a long time, but she was afraid if they were pulled over they would be arrested and sent to Mexico. For 12 years, she hasn't seen her parents living in her home state of Sinaloa.
But after spending numerous hours studying English and learning about American culture, all by borrowing study books and a citizenship videotape from the El Mirage Library, she is now looking forward to a Christmas visit home.
The Romeros' story is one the library proudly points to as evidence of how a library can transform lives and become a vital part of the community it serves.
"I feel safer and more comfortable," Alma Romero said in Spanish as Karen Vargas, a library assistant, translated. "As soon as I got my residency, I got my driver's license."
Alma Romero said now that they are legal residents, she and her family feel free to access every opportunity the U.S. has to offer.
Ramon Romero gained his citizenship in April after attending citizenship classes at the library and the El Mirage Elementary School, and checking out books to learn English and how to take the American citizenship test.
Through Ramon Romero's citizenship, Alma has become a permanent resident who must wait five years before becoming a U.S. citizen.
"Citizenship means everything," Alma Romero said. "It means a better life, better work and a better future."
They checked out their first book to learn English in 1991. Ramon Romero joined a citizenship class being held at the library. Alma Romero enrolled in an English class there.
Be sure to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.
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