Winding their way through hours of lines, approximately more than 1,800 legal immigrants began the process of becoming citizens of the United States July 1 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

"Citizenship Day" was launched by the We Are America Coalition, an alliance of religious, labor and community-based organizations. The day was part of a national effort called "Democracy Summer," which aims to help legal residents become new citizens and then vote in the November elections.

"I want to help everyone in my community to be able to vote," said Maria Estrada, one of scores of volunteers sporting a bright orange t-shirt at the convention center and assisting applicants to fill out their forms. She hoped new voters would persuade politicians to enact immigration reform. "We're fighting for a better future," said Estrada.

Organizers estimate that in California more than three million documented immigrant residents are eligible to become citizens along with another 14 million across the country, including children of immigrants. These new voters, said organizers, could help decide close elections in November towards candidates that support comprehensive and humane immigration reform.

Since passage of H.R. 4437, the bill that would criminalize undocumented immigrants, interest in applying for citizenship among immigrants with documents has surged.

In the cavernous convention center, introductory workshops were held in English, Spanish and Korean. Then applicants moved through each of ten stations as they filled out a 10-page formal application, had lawyers review it, got their picture taken, made copies and paid their $400 fee. One young girl massaged her mother's tight shoulders mid-way through the process. More than 1,800 people completed their paperwork.

Daniela Tracy of Nicaragua said she has lived in the U.S. 20 years and recently completed her five years of legal residency. She could finally apply for citizenship. "I'm happy to have finished this first step," said Tracy.

Reinalda Garcia of Mexico spent five hours in line. "This is the end of the beginning," said Garcia, noting that her next step will be to pass the citizenship exam in several months' time --- something she referred to as el susto (the scare). If all goes well, Garcia said she looked forward to one of the key privileges of citizenship. "I want to be able to vote."

The following Catholic parishes are offering ongoing citizenship classes: ---Mother of Sorrows Church, 114 W. 87th St., L.A., (323) 758-7697; Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. ---St. Agatha Church, 2610 S. Mansfield Ave., L.A., (323) 935-8127; Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. ---St. Cecilia Church, 4230 S. Normandie Ave., L.A., (323) 294-6628; Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. If your parish is also offering citizenship classes, let The Tidings know by e-mailing Ellie Hidalgo at ehidalgo@the-tidings.com.