Immigrant Civic Participation

Tara, an immigrant from Albania, first came to the United States in 1981. Over the last two decades, she has worked to build her English language skills, her education and her career. Throughout this process,Tara has also become an active participant in the social life of her new community. Upon her immigration, “[She] became involved in the Albanian community by helping with immigration papers, writing in Albanian newspapers, representing the Albanian community, participating in advocacy efforts that included a visit to the White House, and serving as vice president of a public interest group of Albanian women (Berger 81).” Mary a 26-year-old woman from Egypt, found it difficult to become involved in the community when she first moved to the U.S.three years ago. She spent much of her time caring for her family and studying to pass her Test of Spoken English in order to get a job. Mary has passed her exam, received her professional license, and has found a job. She and her family have also become involved in a Coptic Orthodox church, where a large number of Coptic Orthodox Egyptians also attende