Thirty-five years led to one moment for Jose Benavides.
On Thursday morning, under a large tent outside Indianapolis’ Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Benavides became a citizen of the United States. He sported a red-and-white tie under a blue suit. He said it wasn’t intentional; a lot of what he owns is patriotic.
A truck and bus driver originally from El Salvador, Benavides previously stayed under different temporary programs since arriving in the United States more than three decades ago. His children were born in the country, and his mother, who attended Thursday’s ceremony, is also naturalized. His family is here. His life is here…