It took 18 years, but I finally became an American.
When I left my homeland of Mumbai, India for Detroit, Michigan in 2012 I didn’t think to myself; “Say goodbye to your old life, Jasika. You’ll never live here again.” It was more about I am finally going to live my dream. Of course, I was very emotional to leave back my family and friends but, definitely more excited!
Sure, I'd left my family, friends and native country behind, but I was going to start a new life and new high school (Go Falcons)! New adventures and opportunities were waiting.
By first year of college, my visits back to India had become just that. Visits. I would be lying if I said, I was okay while coming back from India after my first trip back home. It was so special and something I will cherish for a lifetime.
Well besides just my Journey of becoming an US Citizen I would love to help out to those who are filing. Make sure to write a check list or print the PDF from uscis.
1. The money. The filing fee for citizenship paperwork is $725, and then there’s an $85 biometric fee. The first time US passport fee $205. Attach lawyer consultations to that and the paperwork that will add up even more. I did everything on my own so their was no lawyer involved.
2. It’s super stressful. Especially if you hate dealing with standardized tests and mind numbing paperwork that requires specific details on half-forgotten trips you took five years ago.
3. It’s a commitment. You need to study US civics and history and a smattering of geography. Most of the questions are the kind of thing American kids learned in junior high. Stuff like, how many senators are there? How long do members of Congress serve? What is the supreme law of the land? Name three of the 13 original states. That sort of thing. If you’ve never officially had to learn this stuff (but watch the news and the History Channel often enough), you should be alright. I went to high school here so that wasn't a problem for me.
Finally, this year, everything was in its right place. It was time to finally take it up, write the check, take the passport photos and submit my Form N-400. I hit send in October 2017, and from that point on things moved much more quickly than I thought they would.
I was called to the Detroit homeland security office to submit my biometrics in November, and there I was given the official Learn About the United States booklet. I took that booklet read it completely and thought I should be okay. I took the book in my hand again just one week before my interview which was on March 1st of 2018. My interview went great and I passed. Next up my was Citizenship Oath ceremony on May 7th 2018. I applied to vote right after the ceremony. The Oath ceremony was like a emotional reck for me. When the judge was talking about how we all one day left our home country to build a life in America. We have a vision a dream to work hard on and make a life of our own. I felt privileged to be a part of this country and discover and rediscover myself.
Now, I have applied for US passport a week ago. It was a very easy process compared to the long and detail heavy citizenship filling process. After I receive my US passport I will have to surrender my Indian passport and mail it to Dehli, India and final step is to apply for OCI which is a Card for Overseas Citizen of India. Hoping this to be done in next 2 months.
So, after living in US for 5 and half years I applied to become a Citizen and before my 6th year I am now an American Citizen. For those who might wonder previously I was a Green card holder a permanent resident of US.
In total it took 18 years for be to become an American. I was 3 years old when my parents applied for US green card in the dream of taking my brother and me to the States one day. I am so happy to say that the day has come and my family's and granddad's wish has come true. I am now officially an United States Citizen. It feels so surreal but, at the same time it feels so perfect and I can't be more thankful to God for blessing me with this wonderful opportunity. I hope to make the most use of this privilege.
After I shared my citizenship news on WhatsApp, a friend from back home said she was happy for me, but sad India had lost one of its own. I had to explain to her that India hadn’t lost anything! My first trip using my brand new US passport will be to visit my family and friends back in India. I’m a Indian at heart and always will be, even though my life and my future are here in the United States and I am proud and happy to live here. I’m lucky enough to have two homes.
Call me a Indian, or an American Indian. I’m just happy to be here. Until next time, always remember to keep hustling for your dreams. Xo, Jessi.
