Five-week Huntsville program helps lawful permanent residents prepare for naturalization as student leader Nataly Elizondo and former participant Roxana Alvarado Martinez share their experiences
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Sam Houston State University’s Center for Law, Engagement and Politics is expanding the support available through its free U.S. citizenship preparatory course, including Spanish-language instruction led by SHSU senior Nataly Elizondo.
LEAP Director Mike Yawn appeared on “Good Morning Huntsville” with Elizondo and Martinez, a former course participant who became a U.S. citizen in 2022. The three discussed the five-week program, the naturalization process and the role students and former participants play in helping area residents prepare for citizenship.
The course began Tuesday, Sept. 1, and continues Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Walker Education Center, 1402 19th St. in Huntsville. The program is offered at no cost.
A community partnership dating to 2008
Yawn said the citizenship course grew out of a partnership with the Huntsville Public Library. During a community tour with student interns in 2008, he met library literacy coordinator Richard Lane, who had secured federal grant materials for a citizenship program but needed volunteers to conduct it.
Yawn arrived at the library with eight students. The chance meeting became the beginning of a program that LEAP and the library have offered in most years since then.
The course guides participants through the naturalization process and helps them prepare for its English and civics requirements. Volunteers also conduct practice interviews and provide individual support.
“For the people who are here and they’re legal permanent residents, and they’ve been here five years and they meet the eligibility for citizenship, then we can help them,” Yawn said. “If we can help them, then they can become citizens. They have a better say in their community because they can vote.”
Naturalization requirements vary by applicant. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services determines eligibility and administers the official application, interview and tests.
Spanish-language instruction added
Elizondo, a senior majoring in criminal justice and political science with a minor in Spanish, is taking the student lead on the course. She will work in a separate classroom with Spanish-speaking participants while Yawn leads instruction in English.
Yawn said the added support is intended to make the course more accessible, but he noted that most applicants must still complete the English portions of the naturalization test. USCIS provides limited language exemptions based on an applicant’s age and length of time as a lawful permanent resident.
Elizondo said most of the volunteers who signed up for the course are bilingual.
“I think it’s just amazing how people would want to help the community,” Elizondo said. “I think that will benefit us and benefit the people.”
Elizondo, a first-generation college student from Houston’s Greenspoint area, said joining LEAP moved her beyond her comfort zone and changed her college experience. Her service has included regular work at the Walker County Senior Center and early-morning volunteer shifts with the Huntsville Lions Club’s flag project.
“It definitely has taught me to be grateful for our community,” Elizondo said. “Volunteering can really help a lot of people, even if it’s just the simple things.”
From course participant to U.S. citizen
Martinez joined LEAP’s citizenship course in 2022 after her naturalization interview had already been scheduled. She attended three class sessions, passed the interview on her first attempt and later took the oath of allegiance in Houston.
She described the ceremony as a celebration for more than herself.
“For me, it was like a party,” Martinez said. “It would be a celebration not only for accomplishing something important in life for myself, but for my community, for my kids and for the family.”
She voted for the first time in 2024 and has remained connected with LEAP. Yawn said she has returned to speak with citizenship students about the experience and the legacy they are creating for their families.
Martinez said the process required preparation, saving money and overcoming anxiety during a difficult period in her life. She credited her faith with giving her the strength to continue.
Yawn said support from family members can make an important difference for participants.
“What we found is that when immigrants have the support of their families, they’re much more likely to succeed at becoming a citizen,” Yawn said.
LEAP combines education, service and experience
The citizenship course reflects the broader mission of the LEAP Center, which combines academic enrichment, professional development, volunteer service and experiential learning.
“LEAP stands for Law, Engagement and Politics, but there really is an emphasis on the engagement,” Yawn said.
LEAP students volunteer in Huntsville, attend cultural and educational programs, participate in internships and travel to learn about history, government, law and civil rights. Yawn said students have traveled to 29 states through the program.
Elizondo said a visit to the University of Houston Law Center was among her most meaningful LEAP experiences. The program also exposes students to music, theater, art and community organizations while helping them build professional skills.
Yawn said that approach allows students and community members to learn from one another.
“I get to work with people who are great,” Yawn said. “Roxana’s not only learning about this country, but people like me are learning about this country through the eyes of Roxana.”
Registration remains open
The remaining citizenship classes are scheduled for Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Walker Education Center, 1402 19th St.
Those interested in the course may contact Yawn at mike.yawn@shsu.edu.
About the SHSU LEAP Center
The Center for Law, Engagement and Politics at Sam Houston State University is a civic institute that provides academic enrichment, professional development, civic engagement and experiential learning opportunities. Its work includes pre-law and academic advising, internships, educational travel, volunteer opportunities, speakers and workshops.
Learn more through the official SHSU LEAP Center website or follow the center’s activities on the LEAP at SHSU website.
Watch the full interview from "Good Morning Huntsville" below