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THE QUIET QUEST
Part 4 of 4
Professionals
Seeking Citizenship
Immigration Reform
by Mike Reagen “The interview for asylum status was in Miami and it was five
hours long. They checked all our credentials and it took about eight
ACitizen Member Editorial Board months afterwards before we had our permanent residency. Now,
ll agree our immigration policies need to be reviewed seven years later, we are able to apply for citizenship. I believe that
and reformed. Disagreement abounds on what needs the USA is very fair with its allowance of aliens but I do think the
to be improved and how it can be achieved. interviews are necessary to make sure that all background checks are
The actual process is variable. For the professional, for done extensively. Thinking back, the best part of the process was the
the educated, it is laborious. fact that everything works and is professionally done and organized.
Clearly the situation is dynamic. While the debate rages, educated The efficiency was something we had never before experienced.”
and professionals continue to seek U.S. Citizenship. International Symthe said.
students are just one example.
“People outside of America still have the American dream. They
“Get the best education possible before you apply for citizenship. want to come here and most of them want to contribute. Have good
Hone your special skills.Go to an American College.Become valuable intentions, want to better their lives. America is the truly the land of
so you can continue to stay in USA. Contributions from Refugees, opportunity. If I were in a country and being oppressed, I would do
from Foreign-borns bring different perspectives to local cultures. all I could to come to America. I don’t think folks should be punished
Position Logic sells products and services to foreign countries and for wanting to come here. We should have a system to help folks
brings the money back to Florida” says Hong Long, Laos-born and who want to come there to work and contribute. We should emphasis
now VP of Position Logic. contributions foreign-borns can make: most are hard workers. Give
them a chance to work, to better themselves. Social media is making
For Luis Bernal though all went smoothly.“I had no problem with the world smaller. Social media allows us to look at situations from
the naturalization process. Immigration is different for professionals different angles. We Americans must expand our perspectives. What
than it is for poor illiterate people. I used an attorney and paid $6000 we think may not be 100 percent true because it is based on our
to help process our applications.” Bernal says. ““Becoming a US perspective. At least, we need to stand back, listen to and accept other
citizen was a beautiful experience.The best part of the six-year process peoples’ viewpoints,” says entrepreneur and Laos-born, Hong Long.
for me was not just getting my papers. In 2003, it was the excitement
of acquiring a new culture and enhancing the love for my family by And for marketing executive Cathy Christopher, Jamaican Born
together embracing our commitment to the USA,” Luis Bernal, born and now Marketing Director of Naples Inn on Fifth, the process
in Columbia now President Global Development Consultants said.
ended with a treat. “Crossing the border from
“When I opened the letter signed by President George W. Bush, Canada at Niagara Falls with my green card
I thought WOW! I was an American. Not a member of any Party or and having been processed for 45 minutes by
special interest group. Becoming a US Citizen symbolized a start of a the wonderful U.S. immigration officers, after
new life and brings hope, happiness, a sense of belonging, privileged which I had a slice of pizza and thought ‘Now,
and responsibility. It allowed me to stop thinking of myself as a it’s up to you Baby!” Christopher said.
second-class person.” Bernal said.
But for many the process is variable and it
Nicole Symthe, NCH Wellness is not easy.
Center Massage Therapist, who
successful gained asylum in the USA Jennifer Frankel, researcher, recently noted
after fleeing Zambia with her family, on that in 2013, “Many international students come to the USA with
the other hand, is thankful all worked the idea that America is the land of opportunity and that once they
out. “The USA is known for its free and obtain a US degree, they will be able to gain employment.” But she
fair treatment of its people and also for says “The reality, however, is not this simple. Under the current US
its chance to make good of your life again visa structure, opportunities are quite limited.” Citing a study by the
without any bias towards race, color or
creed,” she said recently.
104 Life in Naples | January 2016
