As I write this post, I am realizing that in less than four hours I will become an American Citizen.
That is so weird to write.
I don’t think I really knew if this day would ever come, mainly as I never really thought it was something that really mattered. I mean, I love my husband and he is the reason that I am here in the USA, but once we got married and had that recognized, and were then permitted to do what thousands of other “straight couples” had done for years, I was happy.
I was a permanent resident, thought the word permanent is probably misused in this context, as it can be taken away from you. A permanent resident has most of the same rights, protections, and responsibilities as a Citizen, with the exception of voting and jury service. And for a while, I was quite fine with that. I was always mindful that I have been so involved with the political landscape (especially in Frisco) but always was prevented from pulling that lever on issues that I was passionate about, and that was about to change.
The realization that after today I will be able to “pull that lever” and have my voice really heard; well let’s just say – for me, it’s a little overwhelming. It’s exciting as well, as not only can I vote, but I can run for office (if I decide that is something for us). And while I know most Americans dread being called up for jury service, I look forward to the day when I receive my notice to represent a group of my peers in a judicial setting. That is going to be part of my new responsibilities as an American.
For most Americans, who didn’t have to work to become a citizen, or be tested to be a citizen, or to be judged if citizenship is good enough, those two responsibilities are taken for granted, or more honestly, ignored. In many cases, often cursed. I can’t see a future where I would be one of those Americans as I know the true value of swearing an oath of allegiance to a different country than you were born in or a citizen of, and the responsibilities that this entails.
Today, I become an American Citizen and I’m ready.