As native born citizens with generational linage, we can sometimes take for granted the liberty and quality of life in America.
There was a time when the virtues of American Life showed forth its beacon of hope and charity and prosperity. That light crossed many borders and spanned great oceans. The beauty of life in the US was highly sought out. Today it is still sought out by some who would like nothing better than to be called an American.
Its easy to forget there is a working immigration system in the United States of America. And its easy to forget that people come here because they love America. In the face of illegal immigration, yearly over a million applications are processed. And granted the opportunity to become sworn members and full citizens of the United States.
Faith Seeds had the opportunity to speak with new found citizen in Ruena Long.
” The United States was my first and only choice because I learned that I had family relations whose lives became better after immigrating to the land of economic opportunity.
Our education was primarily based on Western education—student-oriented, developing such qualities as critical thinking, problem-solving, and generating new ideas. We read American magazines, studied American books, listened to and sang American music, and watched American movies and television series. I also look forward to receiving stuff that were made in USA which my aunties send us because I know it has quality. “
What is it that attracted me to come to America?
When I was 5 years old, my father bought these 4 sets of Fantasy land, The Wonderful Worlds of Walt Disney books. Since I do not know how to read and understand English yet, I always want my father to read me the stories about Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Peter Pan, etc. and translate it in Tagalog my native language. I used to look at the beautiful pictures thinking this is what America is.
Ruena positive view of America is what she embraces. However her view is not shared by all who come to America. Ironically many that come here illegal don’t necessarily share that view.
Of those that migrate here the Philippines ethnics are among the fewest in numbers. Mexico has the highest number of immigrants to the US and also the highest number of illegal immigrants. And has held that highest position for years. With an estimated 23 million illegal immigrants from Latin America.
There seems to be politics and debate about illegal immigration and legal immigration. One argument is that the immigration system does not work. It did work for Ruena and realization of a life long dream. She recalls vividly her Naturalization Ceremony.
“All oath-takers had to fall in line again, waited our turn to receive our appointment letters and our Naturalization Certificates to review and check the accuracy and completeness of the information therein. They also gave us our application for U.S. Passports and more information materials about becoming an American Citizen. After that, the immigration officer gave details of the program of activities and told us to wait for the judge. During the judge’s speech, she told us that she and her family were also immigrants from another country.
She then instructed everyone to stand to be recognized as she called on all the countries represented. I look around when the Philippines was called and found out that I was the only Filipino in that batch. Our Oath-Taking followed after her speech. It was very solemn.
I felt like finally, I’ve fulfilled my dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. When the Oath-Taking was over, it was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. After that, we had a picture-taking with the Judge. Fortunately, there is one Chinese lady who was very kind when she saw that I was alone, she offered to take my picture with the Judge.”
Ruena also lost her America husband while working through naturalization process. ” During my Oath taking I was very teary eyed and missed my husband Gary even more. I know this is what he also wanted for me. I am proud and blessed to be an American Citizen. I am no longer afraid of anything especially now that Gary is gone. “
Faith Seeds joins in the Celebration of Hope and Faith.
