Continuing Education: Basic Skills - Civics

For more information contact:

Veronica Faison
Basic Skills/ESL Coordinator
(252) 246-1295
vfaison@wilsoncc.edu
E-mail Subject: ESL-Civics

Norma Velasco
ESL Recruiter/Instructor
(252) 246-1421
nvelasco@wilsoncc.edu
Hablo español

Connecting to your Community: Developing Effective English Skills for Everyday Communication. - 2008 Grant

Funded by the English Literacy/Civics Education Grant awarded to the Basic Skills Program at Wilson Community College.

CITIZENSHIP

Define citizenship
Citizenship is defined as the status given to a legal member of the country.  It involves rights, duties and privileges. 

Applying for U.S. Citizenship
When applying for naturalized citizenship, you must send the following to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office nearest to your home:

You may submit your application 90 days before the day you will meet the residency requirement. 

Why Become a Citizen? (www.usimmigrationsupport.org/citizenship_top10reasons.html)

  1. U.S. citizens have the right to obtain a United States passport and receive assistance from U.S. Embassies and Consulates when traveling abroad.
  2. U.S. citizens have the ability to sponsor family members so they can obtain green cards and legally immigrate to the United States.
  3. Children of U.S. citizens are automatically U.S. citizens by birth (in most cases, even if they are born outside the United States).
  4. U.S. citizens have security from removal or deportation from the United States.
  5. U.S. citizens have the right to live or take long trips outside of the US, without worrying about compromising one’s visa.
  6. U.S. citizens have the right to vote and select their government.
  7. U.S. citizens have the ability to apply for certain federal jobs, since citizenship is sometimes a requirement of employment positions.
  8. U.S. citizens have an unquestioned right to ESLreturn to the United States, since citizens cannot be denied entry.
  9. U.S. citizens have the right to apply for certain federal and state benefits.
  10. U.S. citizens do not need to renew a Green Card upon expiration.

Citizenship Benefits for ESL Students

New Naturalization Test available at www.uscis.gov

(back to the top)

Community Agencies and Resources

Are You New to the Community? Do you need help in locating (specific) agencies and services they provide?

Public Schools

To enroll your child in the public school system,
you need to bring:

  • Immunization Record
  • Proof of Address
  • Birth Certificate
  • Parent/Guardian Identification (or proof)
  • Transcripts from previous schools attended

For more information contact:
Wilson County Schools
117 North Tarboro Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7700


Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services (DSS) assists with food and healthcare services. This service can be obtained if you have children or special circumstances.


For more information contact:
Department of Social Services (DSS)
100 North East Gold Street
Wilson, NC 27894
(252) 206-4000

Homeless Shelters

Hope Station provides shelter for homeless men and food and clothing giveaways on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

For more information contact:
Hope Station
309 Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 291-7278


Wesley Shelter provides food and clothing giveaways depending on the individual’s situation and availability.

For more information contact:
Wesley Shelter
106 Vance Street East
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 291-2344

 

Parks and Recreation

The City of Wilson Parks and Recreation Department provides low-cost classes in various areas of interest. Classes include:

  • Swimming
  • Aerobics
  • Gymnastics
  • Martial Arts
  • Youth Sports
  • Summer Camps

For more information contact:
City of Wilson Parks
and Recreation Department
500 Sunset Road
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-2264

 

 

This information was furnished through the English Literacy/Civics Education Grant awarded to the Basic Skills Program at Wilson Community College. The purpose of this guide is to assist in locating services and agencies in the Wilson area for those new to our community and culture.

State Immigration Offices

Durham Office
301 Roycroft Drive
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 998-5800

Charlotte Office
204 E. Woodlawn Road #6
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 523-1704

Housing

To rent an apartment or house, you will need:

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security Number
  • Criminal, Rental, and Credit Background Check
  • Application Fee (non-refundable)

To look at an apartment or house prior to renting, many companies require a copy of your driver’s license or photo ID and an additional deposit which is refunded upon receipt of the key. If you are currently renting and are having issues such as, landlord/tenant disputes, mediation, fair housing concerns or need general guidance in civil right issues contact:

City of Wilson Human Relations Office
104 North Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-2308

Driver's License and Photo Identification Card

Driver’s license

To get a driver’s license, you may need one or
more of the following documents:

  • Social Security Card
  • Certified Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Proof of address (physical)
  • Proof of liability insurance prior to road test

Note: Effective July 30th 2009, the Division of Motor Vehicles’ office will no longer give individuals “over-the-counter” delivery of driver licenses and ID cards. However, individuals can still take their driving test and photo at the DMV office. Instead of people getting their license right there, they will receive temporary driving permits valid for 20 days while their personal information is verified by the central office in Raleigh. During this waiting period, drivers will also be allowed to use their existing licenses. DMV officials expect most licenses to be delivered by mail within seven to ten days. N.C. drivers can avoid delays by renewing licenses up to six months prior to the expiration date.

Photo Identification card

To get a photo identification card you need:

If you are a US citizen:

  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate, Passport, or School Transcript
  • $10.00 Fee


If you are not a US citizen:

  • Proof of legal presence
  • Resident Alien Card
  • $10.00 Fee


For more information contact:
Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
1822 Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 243-4072

Car Insurance

To get car insurance, you need:

  • Car Information, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Driver’s License
  • Registration Card or Title

 


ESL