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Letter from the Editor
I am thrilled to share that as we open our doors next week for the start of our fall semester, our English citizenship class and both of our morning and afternoon Spanish citizenship classes are completely full!
Each enrolled student represents a story of courage; an individual taking bold, intentional steps to gain confidence, master new skills, and prepare for the life-changing milestone of U.S. citizenship.
Behind every full classroom is an entire network of support. To our dedicated volunteer instructors, thank you for pouring your heart and talent into creating a welcoming space where learning thrives. To our donors and community partners, your ongoing generosity makes these vital educational programs accessible to everyone who walks through our doors.
Whether you are stepping into a classroom next week, volunteering your time, or cheering our students on from afar, thank you for being an essential part of this vibrant ecosystem. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community, one lesson, one milestone, and one step at a time.
We can’t wait to embark on this semester with all of you. Welcome back, and let's make this fall unforgettable!
With gratitude and excitement,
Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center
She Refused the Limit
Nancy Grace Roman shattered expectations, becoming NASA's first Chief of Astronomy and earning the title "Mother of Hubble" after being told women couldn't be scientists. Her legacy lives on with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is mapping billions of galaxies to study dark energy, dark matter, and new exoplanets! This is part of our WInC weekly series celebrating women who've changed the world.
Protecting Your Path
Your citizenship paperwork deserves complete care and attention. Incorrect details, omitted information, or rushed responses on official forms can lead to costly delays and major obstacles down the road. Choosing trusted guidance to help prepare your application and carefully reviewing every page before signing is essential to protecting your future.
Recently, a new student enrolled in our citizenship classes after having already submitted her Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). As we chatted with her about her timeline and verified her submission date to see which version of the exam applied to her, a few details didn't quite line up. We offered to review her paperwork together and sure enough, we uncovered several critical errors.
The most serious issue? The preparer who filled out her application had checked the box for "General Provision," which automatically defaulted her requirement to taking the exam in English. To make matters worse, the preparer typed a note in the "Required Documentation" section claiming she qualified for the 65/20 exemption which allows eligible applicants aged 65 and older with at least 20 years of permanent residence to study a condensed list of 20 civic questions. Not only was this note placed in the wrong section of the form, but the applicant has been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years, making her ineligible for that specific exemption.
Fortunately, errors like these can be fixed. Because she already had an upcoming appointment scheduled with an immigration attorney, we advised her to consult with her attorney first to formally correct the application.
While her legal team works on amending her paperwork, our doors remain wide open to support her. In the meantime, she is officially enrolled in our citizenship classes and eagerly working toward mastering the 128 civics questions!
Celebrating Local Talent
This Labor Day Weekend, take a short drive out to Mesilla Park to celebrate creativity, community, and one of our very own! We are thrilled to invite our WInC family to support local talent and our dedicated volunteer, Lupita Zacarias, at the annual Franciscan Festival of Fine Arts.
The festival takes place on Saturday, September 5th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, September 6th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the beautiful Holy Cross Retreat Center (600 Holy Cross Rd., Mesilla Park, NM).
Stop by to explore Lupita’s beautiful artwork alongside creations from more than 90 other talented local and regional artists. Beyond the wonderful gallery displays, the weekend promises something for everyone; enjoy continuous live music, delicious food options, exciting raffles, and a relaxed wine and beer garden.
Lupita gives so much of her time and heart to the Women’s Intercultural Center, and we couldn't be prouder to see her work on display. Let's come together to support her and kick off the holiday weekend by honoring the vibrant artistic spirit of our borderland community. See you there!
A Heartfelt Feast Made from Scratch
Nothing brings a community together quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal, and our recent communal luncheon was a true celebration of food, fellowship, and tradition.
A massive shoutout to Patty for spearheading this wonderful gathering, and a huge thank you to Juanita, Elvia, and Connie, who generously took over the kitchen to prepare an incredible spread for everyone. Together, they served up a delicious, nourishing feast that filled our gallery with incredible aromas and happy conversations.
While the meal was prepared with immense care, the undisputed star of the meal was a towering stack of fresh flour tortillas, made completely from scratch and wrapped snugly in a towel straight off the griddle. Soft, warm, and cooked to perfection, they were a beautiful taste of home and a testament to the talent in our kitchen.
Thank you to Patty, Juanita, Elvia, and Connie for sharing your amazing culinary skills, your time, and your hearts with us. You made our lunch break a moment of true connection.
ICAN Students Bake Up a Delicious Lasagna!
The gallery at the Women’s Intercultural Center was filled with the cozy, mouthwatering aromas of Italian herbs and baking cheese as our ICAN class gathered for another inspiring culinary session.
This week, our students tackled a dish that proves healthy, plant-based cooking can be just as comforting and satisfying as traditional fare: a classic healthy lasagna made entirely from scratch!
Layer by layer, participants brought focus and creativity to their workstations. They prepped fresh spinach, built a rich and savory marinara sauce, and layered it all together with golden pasta and perfectly melted cheese. The result was a culinary masterpiece; a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal that looked like food on the cover of a gourmet magazine.
Seeing our students master versatile, budget-friendly, and wholesome recipes is what the ICAN program is all about. Huge thanks to our incredible participants for their hard work, passion, and teamwork in the kitchen!
Be sure to stay tuned for more nourishing creations from our talented ICAN chefs!
Bringing Sunshine to WInC
Every vibrant community has its heartbeat, and at the Women’s Intercultural Center, Saif is an absolute bright spot for us all!
No matter the day or the task at hand, Saif welcomes everyone who walks through our doors with the warmest, most infectious smile. His uplifting spirit, unwavering positive energy, and true dedication bring so much light to our team, our students, and our entire community. Whether he is lending a helping hand, sharing a kind word, or simply offering a welcoming greeting, he makes our space feel like home.
Thank you, Saif, for your dedication, your heart, and for making every single day at WInC so much brighter! We are so grateful to have you as part of our family.
Navigating Immigration Deadlines
Immigration processes are long, complex, and deeply important to family unity. Recently, a community member visited our center seeking clarity on an immigration notice regarding a family petition for his son. Unfortunately, the case had been closed without option for appeal because the two-year visa application window had lapsed. After losing touch with their previous attorney, critical updates and deadlines passed unnoticed, a heart-wrenching scenario that far too many families face.
This situation serves as a vital reminder for anyone navigating an active immigration case: staying proactively involved is essential, even when you have legal representation. While attorneys provide professional guidance, keeping track of your personal milestones can protect your case from administrative closure.
Best Practices to Protect Your Petition
- Monitor Online Status: Regularly check your case status using your receipt number on the official USCIS or National Visa Center (NVC) portals.
- Update Contact Details: Ensure both USCIS and NVC have your current address, email, and phone number so official notices reach you directly.
- Respond Promptly: Treat every piece of official mail with urgency, noting all response deadlines immediately upon arrival.
- Maintain Attorney Contact: Reach out to your legal representative periodically to request status updates, especially if you haven't heard from them in several months.
While the original petition in this case could not be reopened, working together allowed us to explore alternative legal pathways. We identified two viable options for his son's legal residency, with the most promising route being a future petition through his daughter once she reaches 21 years of age.
If you ever have questions about immigration paperwork, feel unsure about a notice you received, or need help checking your case status online, don't wait. Bring your documents to a trusted legal service provider immediately; getting timely answers can make all the difference in keeping your family's path forward on track.
Friends Walking the Path to Citizenship Side by Side
The journey toward U.S. citizenship is a deeply personal step toward new opportunities, confidence, and civic belonging. And that journey is even more powerful when you walk it with a friend!
Two wonderful friends made the inspiring decision to join our English Citizenship Classes together. They will be sitting side by side in class, they will be building their language skills, practicing civics questions, and offering one another constant encouragement every step of the way. Whether it’s quizzing each other on the civic questions or celebrating small breakthroughs in pronunciation, their mutual support will transform the classroom into a warm, uplifting space.
This is what WInC is all about: community members empowering community members. When neighbors lift each other up, goals that once felt daunting become achievable milestones.
We are so proud of their decision and spirit of togetherness. Join us in cheering them on as they confidently take the steps toward becoming U.S. citizens!
August 2026 Impact Report
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, donors, & supporters! We couldn't do it without you!
The Culinary Creativity of Our Participants
There is something truly magical about the way food connects us, and our partnership with La Semilla Food Center continues to bring so much fresh, nourishing energy to our community. Every time vegetable boxes arrive at the Women’s Intercultural Center, we know they are heading straight to kitchens filled with passion, talent, and tradition.
What we love even more than handing out these vibrant, farm-fresh ingredients is seeing what you create with them! From colorful sautéed medleys and hearty family stews to inventive salads and traditional home-style recipes, your dishes are nothing short of inspiring.
Each plate you assemble is a testament to the warmth and creativity of our WInC family. Keep snapping those photos and sharing your gorgeous, delicious meals with us! Whether you tag us on social media or show us pictures when you drop by, your culinary ideas brighten our days and inspire everyone around us to cook with love.
Thank you for bringing these fresh harvests to life in your homes, we can't wait to see what you whip up next!
Turn Your Everyday Web Searches Into Support for WInC!
Did you know you can support the Women’s Intercultural Center without spending a single dime?
It’s true! Our Executive Director recently donated 5,425 Microsoft Rewards points from Bing directly to WInC, proving just how easy it is to turn routine internet browsing into real, tangible funding for our community programs.
Microsoft Rewards allows you to earn points simply by doing things you already do every day like searching the web on Bing, taking fun daily quizzes, or browsing with Microsoft Edge. Every point you earn adds up, and those points translate into direct financial support that helps keep our classes and community services running smoothly.
Be sure to check out our step-by-step visual guide in this issue to see how simple the setup is. Together, we can turn our everyday online habits into a powerful force for community good!
Closed for Labor Day, Ready to Learn on Tuesday!
On Monday, September 7th, we pause to honor the incredible dedication, resilience, and hard work of all the individuals who build, nurture, and uplift our communities every single day. From the hands that cultivate our local gardens to those who lead our classrooms and care for our families, your efforts make our communities strong. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and you truly deserve this time to rest and recharge.
Please note that the Women's Intercultural Center will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day so our staff and volunteers can enjoy a well-deserved break with their loved ones.
The hard work doesn't stop for long, though! We will excitedly reopen our doors on Tuesday, September 8th, which also happens to be our very first day of fall classes! We are buzzing with anticipation and can't wait to learn, grow, and share space with you all again as a new term begins.
Wishing you and your family a safe, restful, and wonderful long weekend. Rest up, and we will see you on Tuesday!
Navigating Cross-Border Travel: Essential Legal Steps for Families with Minors
A local grandmother recently stood in the doorway of our center, clutching a worn manila folder tightly to her chest. She asked a question many families in our border region face: Could she take her two young grandchildren back and forth across the border into Mexico to visit their parents?
Opening the folder, she revealed a state-issued legal power of attorney, signed and notarized, but admitted she did not have U.S. passports for the children.
While a power of attorney grants temporary guardianship rights within the United States, taking minors across an international border without proper travel documents presents severe legal hurdles under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. The power of attorney does not replace international travel requirements, nor does it automatically prove authorization to take children out of the country.
Without birth certificates or passports, attempting to cross could result in CBP holding the children at the port of entry until parental custody and citizenship can be verified. To help our community navigate these rules safely, here are the essential requirements for non-parental family members traveling with minors:
- Travel Documents: U.S. citizen children under age 16 crossing by land or sea may present an original or certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate instead of a passport card/book. However, carrying a valid U.S. passport is always strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary delays or secondary inspections.
- Parental Consent Letter: To prevent international child abduction, border officials strictly monitor minor travel. The power of attorney alone is often insufficient. Guardians must carry a notarized consent letter signed by both parents, explicitly granting permission to travel internationally with the children on specific dates.
- Mexican Entry Rules: Mexico's immigration authority (Instituto Nacional de Migración) also requires non-parental guardians traveling with minors to present valid entry documents alongside parental authorization letters.
After sitting down with our volunteers, the grandmother left with peace of mind and a clear plan: obtain a notarized travel authorization letter signed by their parents before making the visit.
Our borderland community is uniquely connected, and keeping families safely united requires the right information. If you ever have questions about cross-border travel requirements or documentation, stop by the Women's Intercultural Center, we are always here to help you navigate the process!
Celebrating Miguel & Cecilia’s Path to Citizenship!
Big news and even bigger smiles at the Women’s Intercultural Center! We are sending a huge, heartfelt congratulations to Miguel and Cecilia on officially submitting their N-400 applications for U.S. Naturalization!
Taking this major step toward becoming U.S. citizens is an incredible milestone, reflecting months of hard work, preparation, and dedication to their futures. Watching our students and community members cross the finish line of their application process is always a moment of huge pride for our entire WInC family.
Submitting the paperwork is a giant leap forward on a journey filled with effort, hope, and resilience. As their applications make their way through the system, we are cheering them on every step of the way and wishing them both a fast, smooth, and successful process ahead.
Please join us in celebrating Miguel and Cecilia’s incredible achievement! We can't wait to see them take their oath of citizenship!
