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Community Corner

A Brighton Family's Final Stop: Brand New Americans

The final stop on our road to becoming Americans.

How can I ever find the right words to describe what has happened this past week? Friday, my husband, Frank and I became American Citizens. I am still in awe about how emotional this whole process was.

After immigrating from Germany 15 years ago, we had our appointment with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in downtown Detroit for our Interview and Civics Test on Tuesday. We waited with many other people, some accompanied by family, some by lawyers and some by translators. We were all anxious.

I was called in first by the nicest immigration officer I could ask for. I followed her to the office and had to swear to say the truth. We started with the reading test, followed by the writing test, then followed up with the interview process to confirm that all my information submitted in my application was correct and still current. Then she asked me if I would be available this coming Friday for the Naturalization Ceremony.

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With a big grin on my face I walked out, just to find Frank still waiting to be called in. He has also passed the test and interview, and we left with our appointments for the ceremony in our hands. 

It felt right, I felt humble and it felt great!

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This morning, we packed the kids, and drove to the International Institute of Metro Detroit in downtown Detroit. Unfortunately, our two children, who are already citizens, needed to sit by themselves in the visitor area, but we can proudly say that they did really wonderfully.

Frank and I were seated in the front of the room, with 92 other people from 27 countries, waiting to become citizens. Some wore their country’s traditional clothing. They were of all ages, the oldest in our group was 87, but just last week an 111-year-old woman became an American.

There were singles, whole families and family members being naturalized. After some speeches from the International Institute chair and the representative of USCIS, the court was opened and we took the “Oath of Allegiance” before the judge called our names to receive the Certificate of Citizenship.

It was really emotional but such a happy moment! We then all said the Pledge Of Allegiance and with the Withdrawal of Colors (removal of the flags), the ceremony ended. 

I did not expect the turmoil of emotions that came with this official ceremony. I truly did not think that my feelings would change by becoming an American - it was a “logical conclusion” to our life here. But it is so much more: we proudly chose to become American citizens.

We filed our applications, performed the test and interview and we were accepted. It is such an honor, such a humble feeling to be accepted and so warmly welcomed to this country. 

On the other hand, we also needed to turn in our Green Cards - this card has been with us every day for almost 15 years. It felt like my identity was shifted. It felt wrong to give it up. I guess, we will learn to identify as Americans rather quickly.

We received a 'Welcome Package' with a letter from President Barack Obama, along with forms to fill out to  register to vote, change the status with Social Security and apply for our passports. 

Thank you all for welcoming foreigners to your country. It is a true gift. For all of us.

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