Congratulations to our client Carmen on gaining U.S. citizenship at 90 years old!

Carmen fled the civil war in El Salvador in 1983 with her two young sons, becoming some of the 500,000 refugees displaced by the brutal 12-year war. She applied for special relief and later became a lawful permanent resident, securing her family’s safety.

For over 20 years, Carmen made a home in the City of Bell, a small city in Southeast LA County. Finally, when her children were grown and living independently, she turned to LAFLA to pursue her goal of gaining citizenship during her lifetime.

The process wasn’t easy. In the years since Carmen had first sought protection in the U.S., immigration laws had changed, and records were not always easy to find. And while Carmen studied diligently for the citizenship exam, medical problems made it hard to remember what she had learned. But with perseverance and the dedicated support of LAFLA staff, Carmen’s application was finally approved.

Today, Carmen is a proud U.S. citizen. Her entire family, joined by LAFLA attorney Christine Yoon and paralegal Esmeralda Ramirez, attended her oath ceremony to celebrate this milestone. Carmen’s ambition, determination, and strength are an inspiration!

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