Additional Coverage:
- I became an American citizen so I could vote. I want to have a say in my children’s future. (newsbreak.com)
Argentine Journalist Becomes US Citizen
An Argentine journalist who moved to the US for graduate school in 2010 has now become an American citizen. She initially planned to return to Argentina but met her husband and started a family in New York City.
The journalist’s decision to become a citizen was motivated by her desire to have a voice in her children’s future. She wanted to be able to vote and make decisions that would shape their lives.
In November 2021, she passed the citizenship test and became a naturalized citizen. This will be the first time she can vote for a US president.
Path to Citizenship
After graduating, the journalist obtained a work visa. She later applied for a green card through marriage. Despite being legally married, she was not eligible to vote until she became a citizen.
The green card interview included questions about her relationship and whether she planned to overthrow the government. She remembers answering incorrectly due to sleep deprivation, but the officer eventually approved her application.
Voting Rights
Even after receiving a green card, many people assumed the journalist could vote. However, it was only after becoming a citizen that she gained the right to participate in federal elections.
She believes that voting is a responsibility and takes it seriously. In Argentina, where voting is mandatory, she developed a strong sense of civic duty.
Impact on Family
The journalist’s children are American citizens. She was concerned about being separated from them at the border if they traveled together. Becoming an American citizen alleviated these fears and ensures that they will not be separated due to their nationalities.