Jorge and Sonia Gonzalez speak no English. As political refugees from Cuba, they know English is necessary for them to have success in the United States, though it is no easy feat.
“Every aspect of moving is difficult,” Sonia Gonzalez said. “We must change certain family customs and even our language. But we have hope.”
The Gonzalezes are among thousands of people from around the world who have come to Mobile seeking a new life. They have been aided by the work of Catholic Social Services, the social ministry organization of the Archdiocese of Mobile and Alabama’s only resettlement agency. It helps families like the Gonzalezes adjust to a new life in the U.S., offering school registration for children, cultural and community orientation, medical case management, employment services and English as a Second Language (ESL)classes.
According to the Alabama Catholic Social Services’ website, “In recent years, resettlement opportunities have been provided in Mobile for Iraqis, Sudanese, Cubans, Liberians, Afghans, Somalis, Iranians, Burundians, Burmese, Eritreans, Congolese and Ethiopians. In each case, a plan is developed to assist the refugees achieve self-sufficiency in the shortest time possible.”
A native of Cuba, Jorge Gonzalez worked under the Castro regime as an economist, measuring and reporting economic productivity. But he and his family were forced to leave, seeking asylum from political oppression.
Language barrier
When Jorge Gonzalez first applied as a political refugee his only option was to move to Venezuela, another Communist country. In 1999 he and his family moved and lived there for 15 years, until Sonia was accepted as a visa applicant to the U.S. She moved to the U.S. in 2008 without her husband, who moved here in 2013.
It has been difficult for the Gonzalezes to start a new life because of the challenge of learning English.
Starting a new life has been just as hard for another family. Siamak and Jaleh moved to the U.S. in June 2013. They are members of the Baha’i’ faith, a relatively new faith with a small percentage of followers around the globe. The faith is not recognized as legitimate in Iran, and the government persecutes its followers, considering them spies of Israel and the West. Leaving their home in Iran, Siamak and Jaleh moved first to Turkey. From there, after many interviews with the American government, they resettled in Mobile.
English language acquisition is a game changer for these couples.
Students of all different backgrounds gather every Tuesday and Thursday at Catholic Social Services’ new facility for one reason: to learn English. Instruction includes all elements related to the language, such as grammar, speech and writing skills, while also providing lessons and resources for job interviewing. A main objective of the ESL program is to prepare students who have not received a high school education for GED testing.
Many students, such as Jaleh, have been educated at a high level. Jaleh has a master’s degree in world religions, which she earned in her home country of Iran. Unfortunately she doesn’t speak enough English to use her degree as a university professor or lecturer. Instead she works as a seamstress, sewing sequins on costumes for Mardi Gras parades.
“My plan when I came here was to continue my education and get a high-level job but I’ve stopped at a job lower than my education,” Jaleh said.
Each family has the opportunity to become self-sufficient and successful because of Catholic Social Services. Both have benefitted greatly from the ESL classes and other assistance programs.
“They found us this place,” said Jaleh, as she showcased her apartment. But these are not the only things the U.S. offers those resettling nor are they the most important.
Jorge Gonzalez is thankful for the U.S. because of its principles.
“I am proud to be here even though I am not a citizen,” he said. “In the United States men are valued above the law. The laws are made for men not men for laws.”
This liberty offers hope.
“We have hope that our future will be better than our past,” Jorge Gonzalez said. “Hope is ultimate, and it’s something one must struggle for.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — Jeremy Beaman is a sophomore majoring in English at the University of Mobile. He volunteers as an ESL tutor for Catholic Social Services and is interested in politics.
Share with others: