For nearly 40 years, the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) has been offering a variety of citizenship-related education and assistance programs that have helped thousands of foreign-born individuals to become Americans. This February, new citizenship classes will be starting at MAPS' Dorchester and Cambridge offices.

The Citizenship Preparation course includes US civics and history, as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). It also teaches the students about the citizenship process.

"It offers a complete preparation for the interview and the test the applicant will do. He or she will be ready and confident to pass," says Julia Evora, Coordinator of ESOL and Citizenship Classes.

The course is divided into 12 weeks. At the Dorchester office, located at One Stoughton Street, classes will take place Mondays from 6 to 8 pm, starting February 9. To register, call 617-825-5897. At the Cambridge office, located at 1046 Cambridge Street, the classes begin February 12, and will take place every Thursday, from 6 to 8 pm. To register, call 617-864-7600. The cost per student is $30, including textbook fees, and is funded by a contract with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. MAPS' Immigrant Social Services Program is also available to help Portuguese speakers complete their N-400 US Citizenship applications for a $20 fee.

Mrs. Evora highlights the importance of citizenship for the immigrants: "If you become a citizen, you will be able to vote and have a voice in America's politics. You will also be more eligible for social benefits and will have access to many government jobs," she points out.

MAPS is a private, nonprofit organization with six offices throughout greater Boston, Framingham and Lowell. The agency has provided health and social services to Portuguese speakers since 1970. For more information, please visit www.maps-inc.org.