MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake Public Library and Hand in Hand Immigration Services will begin their second round of free citizenship classes Feb. 27, after an informational session Feb. 13 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Classes are offered in English and Spanish.

The first set of Moses Lake classes, which prepare students for the naturalization interview and test, started in December and will finish Feb. 20, according to NCW Libraries Latinx Services Manager Claudia Bovee. Classes meet every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

“The (program) at the Peshastin (Public) Library has been going on for several years, but we’re really looking to work with Hand In Hand to test this out, especially because there is a high need in Grant County, and then really see how can we work together to help folks get their needs met,” Bovee said. “Then, depending on how it goes, keep that going. But they've had a great turnout. They've had about anywhere from nine to 13 students for every session.”

The informational session will feature Hand In Hand representatives able to answer questions about the organization and its services. Attendees can also schedule an appointment for March 9, when the agency will be at the Moses Lake Public Library offering free eligibility screenings, providing support with the naturalization process and answering case-specific questions.

“On the 13th, we really invite folks to go into the library if they have questions, if they are interested in joining the next session, to get that information, get the materials, or if they're, like, ‘I have questions about my case,’ or, ‘I'm really interested in learning more about the process,’” Bovee said.

Individuals can register for the next set of classes at Tuesday’s information session or by calling Hand In Hand directly.

“We prefer that they register for the sessions, just because there is a requirement through Hand In Hand that they complete at least eight of the 10 sessions, but if someone isn't necessarily ready to join right away they wouldn't get turned away for joining late,” Bovee said. “Anytime we can catch folks and get them on the right path, It's better than nothing.”

Bovee explained NCW Library’s motivation for partnering with Hand In Hand.

“The motivation is really, from the library's end, figuring out how do we serve our communities in a way that makes sense for them, that meets their needs,” she said. “And a lot of times, it's really just connecting folks with someone who knows the information to help with whatever their specific situation is.”

The program originated from seeing a specific need in the community, Bovee said.

“There was a big Latinx population in Peshastin that was really looking for these legal immigration resources, and we thought, ‘What a great way to partner with someone who really knows the ins and outs, who can give folks that specific guidance and then at the same time really make our libraries inviting spaces and help folks that maybe aren't necessarily readers,’” she said.

Bovee said the classes are open to anyone seeking citizenship. 

“If anyone is just at a starting point where they don't really know the answers to their questions, or they're not even really sure what questions to ask, we still recommend they show up because you can get help from wherever your starting point is,” she said.

The program could expand in the future, Bovee said. 

“We're in talks with Hand In Hand to hopefully offer more information sessions with immigration officers answering folks’ questions, and we're totally open to visiting the smaller rural communities, especially because it's not always easy for folks to get to the places or access the places where they can get that information,” Bovee said. “For now, the classes will stay in Moses Lake, but that doesn't mean that it can't change.”

Bovee said although virtual sessions are not currently offered and haven’t been discussed, they are not ruled out as a possible option in the future.

“For now, we're really basing it on how successful the model was for Peshastin, and they've had a few folks actually get their US citizenship,” she said. “So, we're really hoping to replicate that in Moses Lake and keep that going in the future.”

Gabriel Davis may be reached at [email protected]. Download the Columbia Basin Herald app on iOS and Android.

    Exterior of the Moses Lake Public Library, which has begun offering free citizenship classes in partnership with Hand In Hand Immigration Services every Tuesday at 5 p.m. The classes are offered in both English and Spanish.