Asides

Immigrant Stories: Success in Citizenship Preparation

Mike Yawn

Each year, the Center for Law, Engagement, And Politics partners with the Huntsville Public Library, hosting a five-week “Citizenship Preparatory Course” for local documented immigrants. This year, with the help of intern Jose Carreno, Library Literacy Coordinator Mary Kokot, and three unpaid student volunteers, we were able to assist 13 local immigrants on their journey to citizenship.

Many people–even citizens–don’t know what it takes to naturalize, which is one reason Richard Lane and I established this program in 2008. For most immigrants, they have to pay approximately $1,000 for the paperwork, submit extensive records–including travel records for many years–demonstrate that they can read English, demonstrate they can speak and understand English, and also pass a Civics Quiz.

What are some of the questions on the quiz?

  • Name one of the authors of the Federalist Papers.
  • There are fifteen cabinet departments. Name two of them.
  • What is one power of the federal government?
  • What is one right reserved only for citizens?
  • There are four amendments to the US Constitution that involve voting. Describe one of them.
  • Who was President during World War I?

If the immigrants can show they know this information, while also demonstrating a clean criminal record and good moral character (not, for example, an excessive drinker or a former prostitute), then they earn their citizenship.

Over the five weeks of the course, we cover these materials, alternating between boring lectures (led by me) and more hands-on help and translation by the volunteers, which this year, included Nataly Elizondo, Michelle Moya, and Yajaira Gutierrez–with a photography assist by Olivia Discon.

While the volunteers’ bilingual skills are helpful, almost all of the immigrants are required to take the test in English (there is an exception for those who are 55 years old and who have been in the country for 20 years), so we try to avoid extensive communication in Spanish.

This year’s immigrant roster was impressive, with two professors, professional staff from the College of Osteopathic Medicine, two janitorial staff, and eight other local residents. This list included: Dr. Elisa Herrmann, Jose Arroyo, Maria Elena, Junior Jepjio, Alexandra Herrera, Nancy Vasquez, Iris Santos, Veronica Garcia, Dr. Juan Diego Daza, Nancy Martinez, Marisa Pimental, Carmen Cedeno, and Gregoria McGuire. McGuire passed her citizenship test during the course, and she continued to attend the course to work on her writing and learn more about US history and government.

One of the most appealing aspects of the course is the friendships that develop over the five weeks, despite broad differences in background, occupations, and cultures. Among our 13 classmates, for example, eight different countries were represented–including Cameroon, a first for us in the 16th year of leading the course!

Our final class is a “Thanksgiving,” with immigrants and volunteers bringing dishes from their native countries. With a healthy helping of bar-b-que and desserts and drinks from Mexico, Germany, El Salvador, and Brazil.

This Thanksgiving is not just part of what is taught in the class and on the citizenship test, it also reflects the friendships that have formed.

Thus the smiles you see in our photos are genuine. Indeed, even as the class was over, groups lingered, continuing to talk, exchange phone numbers and the like.

And thus it was with much inner warmth that I exited the building for our final class. This warmth was enhanced when Gregoria walked out with me, noting, “You are a good person, and I am grateful to know you.”

This struck me as very generous, and also coincidental, inasmuch as this is how I think of her. And as we parted for our cars, she added, “I think you must have a Mexican heart.”

Murder Most Foul: An April Adios

For all Pre-Law Society members, our April was the last get together of the academic year. But for one unlucky member, it was, at least in the world of fictional fun, the last meeting ever. That’s because our social involved a murder mystery, something of a theme for our sinister solicitors.

Our officers and activity committee put together treats to bribe encourage us to attend, and it worked!

A healthy 30 or so students attended, a reflection of our growing sociality as an organization.

Mikaela Baires was the unlucky victim. Indeed, she was doubly unlucky, inasmuch as the murder weapon was a laxative, giving new meaning to Shakespeare’s phrase “murder so foul” (thankfully, we did not meet at the beautiful Wynne Home this year…).

The suspects were Mikaela’s peers: Chrissy Biello…

Jose Carreno…

Katherine Burnett…

Madison Cawthon…

Neehal Ahmed…

and Niya Thompson.

Given the suspects–any one of whom is capable of such a dastardly act–it was going to be a tough evening for our social sleuths.

Thankfully, there were four clues uncovered, and throwing Miranda out the window, the suspects were questioned without their lawyers being present.

After much debate, hand-wringing, and interrogation, the law-enforcement, apparently imitating the Keystone Kops, accused the wrong person–Katherine Burnett–perhaps motivated by a strong desire to sequester her from society for eternity, or at least until they graduate.

In fairness, the actual murderer, Jose Carreno, broke the rules of the game and lied. Who knew a murderer would lie about his whereabouts? Following the game, Jose vowed that, “when things have settled a bit, I will pursue as my primary goal in life the killer or killers who slaughtered Nicole and Mr. Goldman…Mikaela Baires.”

On a happier note, Madison Cawthon led the speed debating contest.

Befitting our status as future lawyers in society–and, perhaps, lawmakers–we spent our time arguing over trivialities ending in ludicrous judgments.

Neehal Ahmed, for example, argued that it should be illegal to text a single “k” to indicate affirmation via messaging.

The debate over whether “ttyl” should be punishable by firing squad was tabled. And thank God we didn’t even get to people who use odd text colors or emojis.

It was a fitting and fun end to a record-breaking semester. With 116 members–well, now just 115 members (sorry Mikaela)–PLS garnered its largest membership ever, donated funds to a scholarship and enrichment fund, and offered pre-law students some amazing events and programs. We can’t wait to see what never year brings!

Heard of G.O.A.T.s

by Olivia Discon

As a LEAP Ambassador, you’re not expected to be an art expert—or even an enthusiast. But after visiting dozens of museums through the program, it’s only natural that some of us become fans… or critics. I’ve now been to 75 museums with LEAP. Before joining, I’d only ever visited one. Among all those experiences, one name has stood out again and again: James Surls. Of those many wonderful educational experiences, James Surls is a name I had come to frequent more than most. 

Surls is something of a household name in LEAP. As a distinguished alum of Sam Houston State University and a prominent figure in Huntsville, his work has served as many students’ first introduction to art—including mine.

So when we heard about the opening reception for the Surls + Locke Museum and the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit, we knew it was something we couldn’t pass up!

After being shuttled to the 40-acre property, we went to Surls’ studio, which had been transformed into an event hall for the afternoon. Inside, towering sculptures filled the space, and even the live musicians were performing among the artworks on stage.

We spent a long time taking in the ambiance, discussing which pieces were our favorite. Moya and McCaughan were especially drawn to the work of Charmaine Locke, Surls’ wife and an artist in her own right.

Inspired by the natural world, Surls uses both medium and or composition to emulate life. This presents itself in various ways, but he’s most known for his sculptures that resemble flowers or plants, his eye motif, and sometimes, a combination of the two!

His work stands out not just visually, but intellectually.

While I didn’t initially grasp the depth of his pieces, I’ve come to appreciate their layered meanings over time.

As one article (written by my professor) quotes Surls:

“Right then and there, I drank from the well of true belief in something far greater than myself. I got the calling for my life, and I answered the call with a resounding ‘Yes, I will do it.’”

That sense of purpose resonates with me—and with LEAP as a whole. It reminds me of why we serve and why we learn.

We later walked through the Gift from the Bower exhibit, which featured a series of outdoor installations on its final day.

We spent a lot of time here, discussing meaning, appreciating how the pieces interacted with the environment, and—for Chrissy—getting eaten alive by bugs.

I personally enjoyed Sonic Overlook by Patrick Renner…

and Chrissy liked Learning to Fly by Sherry Owens and Art Shirer.

We had the opportunity to meet Surls himself and have him sign photos we took of his work at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. It was an honor to meet the artist behind the incredible work that so many LEAP students have enjoyed over the years, and it’s an experience I will cherish for a long time. 

Victoria McClendon-Leggett, former LEAP President, also had the opportunity to meet Surls.

As for the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit itself, the gallery was filled with other famous names. John Alexander…

Lynn Randolph…

and Bill Haveron…

Michelle took a liking to a piece called His and Hers Red Nest by James Drake. She found that the nests looked like angel wings and fittingly posed for a photo upon discovery.

Chrissy, on the other hand, enjoyed a much moodier scene, Siddhartha by Carlos Canul. 

Interestingly enough, the Terry Allen sculpture was on display on the outdoor patio. Titled Bust, the piece depicts a man in a suit that is blowing against an imaginary force of wind. Like all of his pieces, this was thought provoking and visually interesting. It’s no surprise that this bust is courtesy of the Surls + Locke Museum’s collection!

In all, this was an experience that reminds you why LEAP exists—to open minds, spark curiosity, and connect students to opportunities and perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. It was an incredibly memorable experience, and one I will always be grateful for.

Texas 10th Court of Appeals Hosted by the Walker County Bar Association

by Chrissy Biello

The night before the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals convened for oral arguments at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), the Walker County Bar Association hosted a dinner at Sam’s Table to welcome the visiting justices. The guests of honor were Chief Justice Matt Johnson, Justice Lee Harris, and Justice Steven Smith, along with Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson.

Approximately thirty members of the local legal community gathered for the occasion, including 278th District Judge Tracy Sorensen, 12th Judicial District Judge David Moorman, County Court at Law Judge John Gaines, Municipal Court Judge Devan Dawson, and County Judge Colt Christian. The dinner also drew several prominent attorneys, including Alvin Martin of Smither, Martin, and Henderson; Michael Foreman of Haney, Paschal and Romoser; and multiple representatives from the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office: Assistant District Attorneys Malori Martin (who is arguing a case tomorrow), Jennifer Jenkins, and Graciela Garcia.

Throughout the evening, there were multiple conversations taking place, some filled with friendly laughter, while others centered on the cases scheduled for the following day. Some exchanged thoughts on the legal questions involved, as some of the cases have some interesting aspects that could have greater implications on the legal field. 

Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson shared stories from her early career, including her time serving as clerk of the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. While reflecting on her time there, she mentioned “Ol’ Rip,” the legendary horned toad that Eastland is known for. According to local lore, Ol’ Rip survived a thirty-one-year hibernation, only to later pass away from pneumonia. The toad is now on display at the Eastland Courthouse!

Ol Rip in a custom-made coffin at the Courthouse

While speaking with SHSU LEAP students, Chief Justice Johnson shared his journey into law. He spoke about his early career as a practicing attorney and the transition into becoming a judge. He first served as Justice of the Peace in McLennan County, then as Judge of the 54th District Court for fourteen years, before being elected to the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals in 2020. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of gaining trial experience for those who aspire to serve on the bench.

Judge David Moorman also spoke highly of the opportunity for students to observe the appellate court in action, calling it a unique and valuable educational experience. 

The event served as both a warm welcome to the visiting court and a reminder of the strength and collegiality within the local legal community. The justices will hear three cases at SHSU tomorrow, including two driving while intoxicated cases and one involving injury to a child. The Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics continues to be grateful that the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals visits Sam Houston State University each year. The event offers a multitude of valuable learning experiences. You can read more about the event here.