Personal Story: Becoming a United States Citizen

Becoming a United States citizen was one goal that I had for myself and my children. When I was 18 years old my green card and passport expired and I had been hearing about deportation. Having a special needs daughter, I knew that I couldn’t risk being deported so I made a promise to my kids that I would become a citizen and never be at risk of being deported. I am now the happiest woman because I kept that promise!

At the beginning of my process I contacted a lawyer to help me with all of the paperwork and steps. Completing my application was a very emotional process because it brought up a lot of feelings that I had growing up in foster care. My lawyer told me that in order to complete my application I had to either get permission from my mom or I had to apply on my own. Since I came to the US with my mom, that would be the easiest option, but unfortunately she did not respond to my lawyer and never signed the paperwork. I felt broken. I don’t know why she treated me like a stranger especially since I have never asked for anything before. I felt neglected all over again, but at the same time I prayed and called people to support me and remind me that I’ve been through worse and that I am strong. Even though I was disappointed, I was determined to become a citizen so I asked my lawyer what my next option was and we continued the process.

Another part of the process is the test and interview. I wanted to be prepared, so I enrolled in a citizenship class that they give online at the library. I studied the 100 questions with my teacher/social worker from foster care. I started to get nervous and would put myself down, but I also kept praying and saying “Nathali you got this, you’ve been through worse.”

Finally, I went to take the test and I was sweating like a pool, but I passed! Next thing I knew the interviewer told me that she would need some information from my mom because it looked like I was already a citizen. I had to explain that we did not have a good relationship and I wouldn’t be able to get the documents signed. This was retraumatizing, but I was still determined so with the help of my lawyer I got a letter from foster care, my therapist, and I wrote a letter myself. In the end, the journey paid off because I got the call that I was approved… I am a UNITED STATES CITIZEN!

--Nathalea Sky, YUP! Young Parent and YAC member