On Thursday I had my naturalization ceremony. I am now officially an American Citizen. I even have my citizenship certificate with a very crappy picture to prove it. The whole ceremony was a trip.Think high school graduation + 4th of July (on steroids) = Naturalization Ceremony. There were 2000 of us getting our citizenship plus a bunch of family and guests. My favorite part was when they read all the names of the countries that were being represented and asked people to stand up. There were over 100 countries. Most of the people were from India, Mexico and Vietnam. When the Canadians stood up the audience went hysterical. Finally those Canadians became Americans.The rest were speeches and songs and taking oaths. I got a packet with a letter from Bush, how about that?! We also had to watch a movie of Bush welcoming us into the U.S and stating over and over again that this was the most important day of our lives and we had to remember this day as a "rebirth into the greatest country in the world." I'm not into all the patriotism stuff. I'm also not super patriotic towards Brazil, so don't be offended. I am, however, thankful that I get to have dual citizenship. I am also really happy that the whole process is over. My parents, on the other hand, were very emotional. I guess only they know how much they sacrificed and worked so that this day would come. The next day I sent off the petition for my mom so that she can become a resident. The whole process should take 6 months. Hopefully by next summer my mom will be here. For siblings it takes 10 years, so I'm putting that off.
At night we had a big potluck party. Everyone brought their favorite American dish. It was super fun and yummy.
Next time you see Jake Lipman give him a BIG hug for being the best immigration lawyer in the world and helping us every step of the way.
9 comments:
I forgot to say that on the way there we had the quintessential American food,McDonalds. It was my FIRST time having McDs in the U.S. Can you believe it?
Congrats Damaris. Glad you can vote (because I know you're going to vote for Obama).
I'm actually voting for Paris Hilton, thank you very much!
Elogio, Da!
Congratulations. That's awesome. I am sure you will be a much better US citizen than a lot of people born with the right. Was it Thomas Jefferson who said "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" ? Personally, I am hoping Obama will name Paris Hilton as his running mate so I can vote for both of them. I am sure it will bring all of the alienated Hillary supporters into the fold as well.
Hi Damaris! Congratulations! I know (vicariously, though not first hand) how hard the whole process can be, so congrats to you and Christian for navigating it successfully. I just stumbled on to this network of Palmer blogs. There's a lot to keep a person occupied! Hope all is well.
Dave B.
I resent the idea that McDonalds is quintessential American food. If that is what America is all about...man, what a bummer.
you are right Noelle specially when nothing beats thanksgiving meals, which is probably the REAL quintessential american food.
Yeah! Thanks for liking our country (with all its problems) enough to become a member. Have you seen Under the Same Moon? It goes with your projected project.
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