TRUE BELIEVERS; CITIZEN HOPEFULS EAGER TO BE AMERICANS.

Byline: John Huddy Daily News Staff Writer

For the past five years, Alexandrina Petrescu has been brushing up on her English and learning United States history in a citizenship class.

``In the beginning, the Fourth of July wasn't that special to me, because I didn't know much about it,'' said Petrescu, 72. ``But now that I do, it is very special. I feel like the people who fought for democracy.''

Having lived under communism, Petrescu understands the emotions and sacrifices experienced by America's founders in their fight for freedom.

``My brother was killed fighting for liberty,'' said Petrescu, a widow who speaks with an accent from her native Romania.

``He was a student at a university in Romania who was jailed for fighting for democracy against a communist government. He died at 28 years old after being tortured for what he believed in.''

Petrescu is among 94 students at Simi Valley Adult School studying to become U.S. citizens.

``I'm very excited about the wonderful things in this country,'' Petrescu said. ``I saw a lot of wonderful places when I first came here - I was very impressed.''

In 1983, Petrescu's son came to the United States, eventually becoming a naturalized American citizen in 1988. Petrescu came to visit him in 1985 and 1988, and immediately fell in love with America.

``When I saw the incredible differences between a democratic society and a communist society, I decided I wanted to become a U.S. citizen,'' Petrescu said. ``I love my native country, but I'm very sad because so many people are suffering. I'm happier here.''

Now, five years after her arrival, Petrescu, who taught high school in Romania, is patiently studying for the citizenship test, along with classmates who share her enthusiasm for their adopted land.

``I want to become a citizen - I want to live here the rest of my life,'' said 70-year-old Alicia Buitrago, a native of Colombia who has been in the United States for 20 years.

Daniel Gonzales, a 44-year-old Simi Valley resident, came to the United States from Mexico in 1972.

``I came for the work and the opportunity,'' Gonzales said. ``But it's a little hard for me because my English isn't very good.''

Students' skills vary widely, with some having a solid knowledge of English, while others have virtually none at all.

``It's a mixed class as far as ability,'' said Sally Hoffman, who has taught a year at the school. ``The students are really motivated, though. . . . They put in a lot of work and a lot of patience because they have to wait so long to become citizens.''

A person can be eligible for citizenship if they have been in the U.S. for five years and have legal status or if they have been in the U.S. for three years and are married.

Petrescu will have at least another year to wait before her citizenship paperwork is processed and she can be sworn in - a wait she is willing to make.

``I would prefer to live the rest of my life with freedom - as a United States citizen.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Alexandrina Petrescu, 72, a native of Romania, is studying at the Simi Valley Adult School to become an American citizen.

(2--Ran in Simi Edition only) Sally Hoffman leads a citizenship class at Simi Valley Adult School. Many of her students are eager to become citizens.

Phil McCarten/Daily News