Immigrating to the U.S. is challenging under the best of circumstances, but it can be especially harrowing for an asylum seeker. When Maria Luz, a Salvadoran American student at The ILC, crossed into the United States, she, her husband, and their two sons faced an uncertain future.

Happily, Maria Luz was able to successfully apply for the asylum that she and her family needed. Now she faced the same challenges as so many other immigrants: learning English and becoming a citizen. The Immigrant Learning Center was able to help with both obstacles. She now speaks English more confidently and recently swore her oath of citizenship. Maria Luz credits The ILC for helping her. “The [Immigrant Learning] Center for me was blessed,” she said.

Being granted asylum in the United States has made Maria Luz deeply patriotic. She was motivated to pursue citizenship so she could vote in U.S. elections. “Thank you, thank you,” she said. “I love this country.”

Thank you for helping us to support brave women like Maria Luz.

Diane Portnoy
Founder and CEO
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.