"Over the years, Maria Christina taught herself English – both how to read and write it. But when it came to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) test questions, they weren't what she expected. Maria Christina first took Catholic Charities' citizenship class over Zoom during the pandemic. She struggled. She did not complete the course but thought she would attempt the test anyway. Unfortunately, she did not pass.
"I've worked the vineyards, raised three children, and survived terrible violence – how hard could 100 questions be after all this? When I failed, it was so discouraging!" However, she didn't give up.
When she returned to Catholic Charities to try again, Immigration Counselor, Teresa Marcelino offered Maria Christina encouragement. "Teresa listened to me with such tenderness. She was eager to give me another chance to pass. For my children, I tried again."
