I wanted to blog about this because, if you ever met Norma, She is Instantly Loveable! Friendly, Always Smiling, Helpful... And occasionally playfully cheeky. She will instantly remind you of one of your favorite aunts from your childhood. ( You know... the Cool/fun one! We all have at least one of those, right?) She shows up everyday and works hard at the Mini-s and often helps new folks out with any questions. ( Usually ME! Because I always have questions about what goes where and who asked for what...)
So it was a joyful surprise to learn that she was going to be off on Monday to gain her citizenship. She was a little nervous about the test, but got only three wrong (Out of 37 questions... I think) I know that the process is more difficult that just a simple "multiple guess" test. But She did it. And now gets to Vote, Pay taxes, and gripe about how the crappy politicians are RUINING the country.... Just like all of the rest of us! How fun!
I think the overwhelming majority of Americans ( i.e. U.S. Citizens!) Take our citizenship for granted. And really do not understand the struggle many people take to earn that privilege. Norma said she had to learn the language and never thought she spoke it well enough. ( She speaks it perfectly!) My grandfather was just the same. He never spoke Swedish around us when we were kids. But he always had a heavy accent. He had to learn the language, work hard, and learn the "American Way" that Native Born people take for granted.
It is a difficult time in this country to bring up this topic of citizenship. There is a Difference between Citizen and "civilian." The Roman Empire knew this. And being able to gain citizenship was a huge advantage for the ones who lived under their rule. Robert Heinlein was able to voice his opinion in his writing of Starship Troopers: Citizens are individuals who have completed some form of federal service, which grants them the right to vote and hold public office, as they have proven their civic virtue by putting the good of the public above their own. Civilians are those who have not performed federal service, possess all civil rights and protections, can earn a living, but do not have the right to vote or hold office.
And there is a difference between legal and Illegal immigration. The legal way it long, and fairly difficult. (Learning a new language from scratch HAS to be difficult! I know it was for every Language Class I was even in.) But in the end, you have Citizens! (Like a Pilot or Doctor gaining their License.) People who know the culture, know the language, and have become integrated with those of us around a common land and heritage. But before this blog posts slips into a political rant, let me get back to what I originally wanted to write about:
Norma Garza. Welcome to the US! We are proud and honored to have you! And may your example show others how it is done and how rewarding it can be. I knew a number of foreign people in my life who were in the process or already had gained citizenship. And they were the most fun people to talk to. And they looked at their struggles as a ladder to be climbed and a challenge to overcome. So be proud of your achievement! And may you enjoy your new life as an American Citizen.
And Make Every Second Count....
