Blog

Getting to Know Joana Castro Simonini, Director of Immigration Legal Services at Canal Alliance
Posted: March 21, 2023
Canal Alliance is thrilled to announce Joana Castro Simonini’s promotion to Director of Immigration Legal services (ILS). Joana’s passion for immigration law has been with her since the beginning of law school and motivates her in her work for Canal Alliance and for our clients. In fact, Joana first came to Canal Alliance as a client herself.

CEO of Marin County’s Canal Alliance says helping Latinos overcome poverty will have a ‘transformative’ impact on society
Posted: February 28, 2023
The Northbay Business Journal goes in depth on the work that Canal Alliance CEO Omar Carrera has done for the Canal community.

English language classes open doors for immigrants
Posted: October 17, 2022
When adults improve their communication and technology skills, their education and career opportunities expand, which not only benefits them, but also their families and their community

A young person’s path to citizenship
Posted: February 15, 2022
Timoteo Vasquez-Mendez left his home in Guatemala, fleeing difficult conditions in his country, and traveled to the United States in search of a better future. He was stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he tried to cross the border then sent to a detention center in New York, then released to stay with his uncle Jesus Vasquez in San Rafael. He was 17 years old.

Kristy Ponce Aizpurua’s Naturalization Story
Posted: February 11, 2022
When Kristy Ponce Aizpurua left Panama, nearly a decade ago, she left behind her family and her law practice. Today she manages operations for Canal Alliance’s Immigration Legal Services and is a U.S. citizen. Kristy shares her naturalization journey and her message to other new citizens – register to vote!

Citizenship Test Independent Study Resources
Posted: March 8, 2021
Prepare for your naturalization interview and the English and civics tests using these online resources.

Happy Citizenship Day!
Posted: September 17, 2019
Canal Alliance is joining with our partners and allies to celebrate the many benefits of U.S. Citizenship as well as the wonderful, hard-working community members who have chosen to become U.S. Citizens this year.

Requirements for U.S. Citizenship
Posted: September 15, 2019
Many people who live, work, create jobs, and pay taxes in this country are eligible for citizenship, yet lack of knowledge about how the process works.

Benefits of becoming a U.S. Citizen
Posted: September 14, 2019
Many opportunities are available only to U.S. citizens. This Citizenship Day we are breaking down some of these benefits and encouraging citizenship-eligible lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to take the next step toward becoming U.S. citizens.

Citizenship Classes at Canal Alliance
Posted: April 8, 2019
Registration for Spring Citizenship Classes at Canal Alliance will be Monday, April 29.