O’Fallon man teams with library to ‘demystify’ the journey to U.S. citizenship

After living in the United States for nearly 50 years, British-born Linda Vail and her son Paul decided they wanted to become citizens. But they could not find a class to help with the naturalization process.

So, to make that happen, David Vail, Linda’s husband and Paul’s stepfather, has teamed up with the O’Fallon Public Library to offer this service.

Designed to demystify the journey for any resident in southwest Illinois, the first U.S. Citizenship Preparation Class will take place on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library, which is located at 120 Civic Plaza (next to the post office).

It is a free service for people who have been issued an I-551 permanent residence card (green card). Those interested must register and a library card is not necessary to attend.

“Our goal is to equip participants with an understanding of the naturalization process, empowering them to initiate their citizenship application independently,” Vail said. “Now that we’ve been through it, we know what to do and how to find things.”

David, a naturalized citizen from Canada, came to the U.S. as a teenager in 1963. His family moved from London, Ontario, to Lombard, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, when he was 13.

He spent 26 years on active duty in the Air Force, then worked as a civilian from 1998 to 2016, until retiring. He and his wife married in 1971. They have lived in O’Fallon for more than 25 years.

“We discovered there were no citizenship classes available for legal immigrants on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River anywhere south of the Chicago suburbs. SWIC used to offer these classes but discontinued them when their grant funding expired last year,” Vail said.

“So, I requested education materials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service to help my wife and stepson. In helping them, I developed a program for a citizenship class.”

Vail approached the O’Fallon Public Library, who offered their assistance. He will be the instructor.

Topics to be covered include eligibility, interviews and civics tests on U.S. government and history, the application and cost, fee waivers and reduced fees, completing and submitting the N-400 application, required supporting documents, and the oath and ceremony.

Registration for the class is on a first-come, first-served basis. The class is divided into morning and afternoon sessions, and attendance in the morning is mandatory to attend the afternoon one.

“All attendees have the option to bring a friend or family member along with them, and welcome to bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks for the day,” he said.

Vail said he likes this hands-on approach because the process is challenging, and he can provide valuable support.

Stephanie Favela, an adult services leader who oversees events and social media at the O’Fallon Public Library, said they are happy to help legal immigrants take the first steps towards citizenship.

“David’s firsthand experience and dedication make him a knowledgeable and empathetic instructor for our class,” she said.

Director Ryan Johnson said he is enthusiastic about providing this opportunity.

“This Citizenship Class ties in to our mission: ‘Serve as a bridge connecting our diverse and ever-evolving community to learning opportunities, resources, and services that place people first,’” Johnson said. “Furthermore, it helps achieve one of the initiatives of our strategic plan, which is to increase engagement by developing new services that broaden appeal and diversify offerings.

“Perhaps above all, the library aims to be a comfortable, non-intimidating space where people feel welcomed and part of a larger community. This Citizenship Class fits that to a T. It’s definitely worth trying. It’s a learning opportunity. Our resources are much more than books. If it doesn’t work out, then we’ll re-assess.”

Vail hopes enough people want to attend to keep it going.

“Our intent is to offer these classes periodically through the year,” Vail said.

For more information, contact Favela at stephanie@ofpl.info or call 618-206-4343.

You can register here: https://www.ofpl.info/calendar#/events/B9Aowmfleu/instances/U1KxoA7wnF/