Eva Jimenez applies for a Capital Good Fund Citizenship Loan
Note: The Intersect Fund is one of several student-driven microlenders. The following story introduces Eva Jimenez, who received a Citizenship Loan from Brown University’s Capital Good Fund.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Eight years ago, Eva Jimenez left the Dominican Republic for Providence, Rhode Island — since then, she has carved out a rich and rewarding life here. She’s landed a steady job as teacher’s assistant, pursued her passion for painting, and become a legal permanent resident of the United States.
But until a few months ago, she had not yet fulfilled her most important dream: To vote.
Jimenez, a devoted public sector employee, was not a citizen. Not because she didn’t want to be, but because the cost of upgrading her status was simply too high. The application fee alone would eat up nearly a month’s salary, and the legal costs would tack on even more. She wondered whether she could ever scrape the money together.
Luckily, help was on the way. Earlier this year, Jimenez heard about the Capital Good Fund, a non-profit microlender in Providence aiming to combat poverty and foster a more inclusive society. She learned the group would soon offer Citizenship Loans, designed to help legal U.S. residents cover the cost of becoming citizens, and was eager to take part.
In March, Jimenez received the first Capital Good Fund Citizenship Loan.
In September, she became a citizen.
Now, she feels she has a full stake in her community. She will have more job opportunities. She will inspire others hoping to realize the American dream.
“I’m very happy about organizations like the Capital Good Fund,” said Jimenez. She adds that although many fellow Latino immigrants could become citizens, few can cover the cost. This makes Capital Good Fund loans essential. “We need it,” she said.
