Helping Residents Find Their Voice: Emgage Texas Guides Citizenship and Civic Engagement

By KTSU2 Reporter Erin Slaughter

HOUSTON, Texas — With over 360,000 Houston residents eligible for U.S. citizenship, Emgage Texas is committed to guiding them through the naturalization process and promoting full civic participation.

Part of Emgage USA, a national nonprofit founded in 2006, Emgage Texas empowers Muslim Americans through civic engagement, leadership development, and political literacy.

Jida Nabulsi, the organization’s Texas State Director, explained that while Emgage primarily focuses on voter mobilization, it also provides advocacy support.

“Emgage mobilizes Muslim Americans to be civically engaged, like encouraging voting,” Nabulsi said. “We have both a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) arm for advocacy work, but most of what we do is voter mobilization and organizing.

Jida Nabulsi, Emgage Texas State Director

The organization also helps eligible immigrants navigate the naturalization process, offering assistance with forms, fee waivers, and citizenship test preparation.

“We do a lot of citizenship work, which is very important. We work with the immigrant community to help with the Form N-400 application for citizenship.  We also assist with fee waivers—if USCIS does not provide a waiver for the applicant, Emgage can step in to support,” Nabulsi said.

“Additionally, we offer classes to prepare individuals for the citizenship test,” she added.

Citizenship assistance is part of Emgage’s broader mission to ensure more residents can vote and participate in civic life.

“When we talk about our mission—to ensure our voices are heard—citizenship is an essential part of that. If we can assist people in becoming citizens, that means one more person who can vote,” Nabulsi said.

Jida Nabulsi, Emgage Texas State Director

“And that’s crucial for organizing and educating our community to vote in a way that reflects their own voice,” she continued.

The organization hosts workshops and Q&A sessions to educate the community about the citizenship process, recognizing that some may not yet be ready to take that step but want to understand the process better.

Although Emgage primarily serves the Muslim community, Nabulsi said the organization also collaborates with all communities.

“Even though we focus on the Muslim community, we work with non-Muslims as well. It’s important that all voices are heard because what affects the Muslim community often affects other communities too. It’s about broader issues, not just single issues,” she said.

Jida Nabulsi, Emgage Texas State Director

Nabulsi noted that the current political climate has created hesitations among some residents about participation, but the organization continues its outreach efforts to ensure everyone has the information they need.

“I’ve seen this hesitation firsthand. Over the summer, we conducted some recruitment for workshops, and we’re hosting another next weekend. We understand the hesitancy, especially given the current political environment,” she said.

“We advertise in our community groups and tell people what’s happening. We’re also exploring where else we can promote these resources, including with non-Muslim communities, because it’s important to amplify all voices,” she continued.

Nabulsi added that their primary goal is to make information and resources accessible to those who are eligible but don’t know where to start.

“Right now, we want everyone to have the correct information to make informed decisions for themselves,” she said.

Jida Nabulsi, Emgage Texas State Director

Through citizenship support, voter education, and community outreach, Emgage Texas aims to enhance civic engagement and promote community unity. The organization continues to empower residents to participate in civic life, helping Houston grow stronger—one person, one community, and one voice at a time.

Nabulsi summed up her message by highlighting the importance of unity:

“There’s a lot of fragmentation, not just within the Muslim community, but across all communities. When we come together and unite as one voice, we can create real change. We’re not telling you how to vote; we’re empowering you with knowledge so you can make your own informed decisions,” she said.

Jida Nabulsi, Emgage Texas State Director