San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-10-17
Different Organizations
Are Training Aliens to
Become Citizens---Federal
Government Will Furnish
Text Books and Litera-
ture.

Interest in Americanization work
among foreigners Of San Antonio has
received additional impetus by the an
nouncement of Naturalization Exam
liner Charles Tucker that the San
Antonio public school board will be
asked to officially recognize or en-
dorse the work Of AUGMENTATION
classes now being conducted or classes
in the embryonic stage. Such recos-
milton by the school hoard. 1t is ex-
planned. is a prerequisite to aid from
the federal government.
Inasmuch as such action by the
school board does not involve expen-
diture Of funds of the San Antonio
independent school district. but I'M
wolves only the approval Of the school
board of Americanizatio classes. no
difficulty in securing this recognition
is anticipated.
Should the school board endorse the
work of the AmericaniZation classes.
the federal government will furnish Ut
erature and textbooks for the classes.
ANY student who completes the pro-
scribed course is awarded n certifi-
cate of graduation by the bureau Of
naturalization Of the Department of
Labor. provided the student success
fully passes an examination before a
representative of the bureau.
Eight to Ask First Papers.
Beneficial effects of an Americana
cation class now being conducted un-
der the auspices of the Council of Jew
ish Women Mt 200 Marshall street, are
indicated by the announcement that
eight students will file their declara-
tons of intention to become citizens of
the United States with the clerk OF
the federal court next Saturday.
This school which holds sessions
from s to 10 o'clock Tuesday and
Thursday evenings of each week. has
an enrolment of "a adults represent
ing various nationalities. The school
| is conducted by Miss Stella Ellison
and Miss Helen Bernstein.
Organization of an Americaniza-
| ton class at the National Catholic
Community House, go Matamoras
street. is also contemplated, according
TO information received by Mr.. Tuck
err. This class will be open to all per-
sons of all races and ages but the
work will be carried on particularly TO
meet the needs OF Mexican aliens who
desire to become citizens of this coun-
| try. -
Want Classes for Aliens.
In view Of the fact that there is a
general tendency upon the part of the
| courts of Texas to exact higher quail
fications of applicants for citizenship.
| Americanization classes are more es-
sential than ever, the naturalization
examiner maintains. Americanization
classes, furthermore, stimulate the de-
sire of the alien to renounce his al
legiance to a foreign power and TO
swear allegiance to this country. A
higher type of citizenship, trained in
the fundamentals OF this government,
thus could be recruited, Mr.. Tucker
| believes.
Efforts are being put forth 10
| arouse interest in. Americaniza ton
work. Many teachers in the San An
tonic schools and many persons en-
gagged in welfare work have appeared
at the naturalization office here and
volunteered their services in conduct
| ing classes of aliens.
Since the majority of children Of
alien parentage in San Antonio arc
American citizens by reason of birth
in this country, the Americanization
classes. for the most part, are and will
be composed of adults.