College Expects 500 in Amnesty Class

More than 500 immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States are expected to enroll this fall in an amnesty education program at Glendale Community College.

The college is part of a coalition of campuses in Los Angeles County that has developed a curriculum to qualify immigrants for amnesty under the 1986 federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, said Saeed Ali, director of the education project at the college.

The curriculum is designed to help students prepare for the government’s naturalization examination, which requires proficiency in English, U.S. history and civics. Courses will also provide training in basic business skills and offer individual counseling on educational opportunities for students, Ali said.

The college has applied for $1.75 million in federal funds to operate the program for one year. The funds will be provided through a state grant, which is expected to be approved this month.

Meanwhile, about 300 immigrants are enrolled in a pilot program being conducted this summer by the college, which allocated $60,000 for the project. The summer program will end with graduation ceremonies Sept. 1.

Ali said he expects the fall program, which begins Sept. 12, to include 11 different courses of study. Classes are offered without charge. Enrollment is under way.