A Broad Reference

These past couple of years I've been embroiled in the process of becoming a citizen. The forms were extensive and unclear. Each step required standing in line and waiting interminably, followed by notices that read "Your paperwork has been received. Your blah blah appointment will take place within the next 270 days." My level of frustration had risen to the point that I hired an immigration lawyer to help with the various bureaucratic exigencies. At fingerprinting they take electronic impressions of one's fingers- interestingly my prints were all only partials~ around 50% identity. I prepared for the interview/test with extreme anxiety on my part. Did I study enough? What kind of questions would I get? Finally the day arrived, after a week of sleeplessness, I met my lawyer at the court. Standing before the judge I was so nervous I nearly hyperventilated. But she was very kind and allowed me to catch my breath. I knew all the answers to the first questions, after all I had filled those out myself on the form. She ended with US history & government questions, which I aced. It was sort of anticlimactic, the judge approved my application and told me to expect a notice about my swearing in ceremony in a couple of months. Rats, I missed the election by just a couple of days.

I was very affected emotionally and mentally by the whole process; Even though my fears were groundless, I never quite believed that I would make it through. All the way up to the swearing in ceremony, I was worried that I would be deported. But finally after all these years of waiting, paperwork and standing in lines- the ceremony itself was kind of a relief and uber patriotic at the same time. There was a huge auditorium of people, 1559 from 87 countries. First you surrender your green card and forms to the officials. We were seated semi-alphabetically, by section and chronologically in order of arrival within one's section. While we were waiting, some people were removed quietly, never to be seen again... The white moderator spoke (without cue cards or prompting) in English, Spanish, Chinese(Cantonese), Hindi, Russian & Tagalog, which represented the languages of the majority of people being sworn. It was very impressive, he cracked jokes and made sure that everyone understood what was going on. It was mostly long drawn out instructions on how to register to vote, sign up for social security, submit paperwork for passports and then we had to watch some very nationalistic videos including an address from George W. (One more month and it would have been Obama!) Finally we swore our commitment to the USA, pledged allegiance to the flag and sang the star spangled banner. Then we received our certificates of naturalization, and immediately submitted an application for a passport. So mostly standing in lines and paperwork. I'm very glad it's over.

But bureaucratic bullshit aside, I struggled with the idea of becoming American for a long time. Growing up in a developing island, outside of the United States of America, gives one the perspective of a very large, immensely rich country. I came to the USA because of the tremendous opportunities for education and vocation. America is truly a land where you can succeed if only you try. Thoughtful and committed people have devoted time and energy to creating a country where each person has the same rights. I embrace the statements set forth in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." and "rights of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition."

But for the last 8 years, the US government has run roughshod over the wishes of concerned citizens, has treated people abominably both domestically and internationally. Where jingoistic economic and political decisions were made with no apparent thought of common good or accountability. Yet at the same time, I feel this is one of the few places in the world where I am accepted completely for who I am, as a woman, culturally, racially. Ultimately I realized that if I became a citizen, my vote could represent my point of view and choices- hopefully enough to change the course. I know a lot of people are talking about smoking the KoolAid. Is it idealistic think we can improve the current situation by each making the choice for the greater good? We can do it!