The Day I Became an American
In these moments of despair, we must hold onto hope and persevere, for it is in these moments that change is most possible.
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Every journey has a starting point, but we often don’t realize it until much later.
I traced the starting point of my journey of becoming an American to when I learned to use chopsticks. Being able to use chopsticks efficiently was a crucial skill to have for survival. There was a constant food shortage when I was growing up. As the youngest of three children in the family, I often had to fight against my two older siblings for food. Being clumsy with chopsticks meant getting less food into my mouth and no hope for the second serving, if there was any.
I don’t recall when and how I learned to use chopsticks. But I vividly remembered that since I tended to hold the upper end of the chopsticks, my mother predicted that one day, I would travel to a place far away from home. Years later, I had to admit that Mom’s “chopstick theory” was surprisingly accurate.
On a cold winter day in January 1996, I waved goodbye to my family and got on a plane to America. It was also my first time in an airplane. No one in my family had yet traveled outside of China, so nobody could advise me on what to expect in America. I remember the mix of emotions on their faces-pride, worry, and a hint of sadness. From that moment on, I was keenly aware that sink or swim, I was on my own.
That plane ride marked the beginning of a series of exhilarating firsts in my life. I savored my first hot dog, and cheered at my first baseball game.
I found solace in Sunday church service and eventually became a born-again Christian. I landed my first job, bought a condo, and became the first property owner in my family since my great-grandfather (he was a landowner, but the CCP confiscated all his land). I was the first to start a family in America, marrying a wonderful man from Nebraska. Each of these experiences filled me with a sense of joy and excitement as I discovered the richness of American life.
As I immersed myself in American life, I also had to navigate the complex American legal immigration system. By 2013, I had been in this legal process for 17 years, a journey that had left me mentally exhausted. It often felt like I was running a marathon, with the finish line constantly shifting. There were numerous obstacles, and at times, I wondered if I would ever reach the end or if it was even worth the effort. But I persevered; when I least expected it, I was at the finish line.
Here is an excerpt from my autobiography, “Confucius Never Said,”
“At 9:00 a.m. on September 18th, 2013, I walked into the immigration office in Centennial. After I waited for about 40 minutes, my name was called. An agent waved to me to follow him to his office. He explained the testing process: all I needed to do was to answer six out of 10 questions correctly in order to pass the test. I answered the first six questions correctly, and the test was over. While he was writing on the paperwork, I said to him: “You know, I came from China, and I can pass any test.” He laughed.
Next, he asked me to take an oath and answer some questions from the form in front of him. After that, he smiled at me and said, “Congratulations, Mrs. Raleigh! Your citizenship application is officially approved. We have a swearing-in ceremony this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Can you make it?” I was totally shocked. When I had walked into that building in the morning, I thought I was there only to take a test. I was completely unprepared for things to go smoothly. I could actually be sworn in as a U.S. citizen that very afternoon!
I walked out of the building and ran to my car. The first thing I did was cry. I had been waiting for that day for 17 years. I had been used to frustrations, disappointments, delays, and long waiting. Now success had come so suddenly, I just lost it for a moment. After a good cry, I realized that it was almost 11 a.m. If I didn’t want to go through this important step by myself, I’d better make some phone calls to see who could come at such short notice. I called my husband Mike first and then several girl friends in town. Afterwards, I stopped by a King Soopers grocery store to pick up a quick lunch. When I walked through the main entrance, there were some small American flags for sale. What a coincidence! I immediately grabbed one.
I went home and changed into my favorite red dress. Then I went back to the immigration building around 1:00 p.m. There were a lot of people waiting. They all had big smiles on their faces. We were a diverse group with different ages and different skin colors. I heard different languages being spoken. I kept looking at the door to see if Mike and any of my friends had made it. At 1:30 p.m., an officer came in and announced that all new citizens would go up to the third floor first, and family and friends would wait here until someone came to get them later. I joined the other new immigrants walking toward the elevator, wondering if I was going to do this alone. Then I saw Mike walking in, followed by my friends Francoise, Tyler, and Laura. Everyone gave me a hug.
On the third floor, an officer handed each of us a packet, and two ladies from the Daughters of the American Revolution handed each of us a small American flag. One of the packets was a yellow envelope marked “The White House.” In it was a letter from President Obama. Despite our political differences, his letter was warm and appropriate.
After we took our seats, the director of this branch gave a welcome speech and showed us a short video about what it meant to be an American. After that, everyone’s family and friends walked into the room, including Mike and my three friends. The director announced that there were 50 people about to become U.S. citizens today and they represented 47 different countries of origin. He called out each country that was represented, and we stood up one by one. I looked around and couldn’t be prouder: here were 50 people with different skin colors, age groups, and languages, who had all had had journeys getting here. But we had one thing in common: We all had made sacrifices to get here because of our hope for a bright future in the land of the free. No matter how many differences there were in our past, today we became one. We were all U.S. citizens.
After we all stood, the director led us in the oath:
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen . . . so help me God.
Mike and my friends were snapping photos of me, while I couldn’t stop my tears from streaming down my cheeks. I initially tried to control my emotions. But quickly, I decided to just let them go.”
September 18th, the day I was granted American citizenship, was more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a personal milestone, a second birthday, and a fresh start. I firmly believe that Providence orchestrated this moment. All I had to do was persevere and not give up in the last 17 years.
Before becoming a U.S. citizen, I felt like a renter: I worked hard to pay rent on time but had no stake in the American enterprise. However, after going through the naturalization process and taking a sacred oath on September 18th, I became one of the 350 million owners of this American enterprise. I have invested interest in its success and am responsible for doing my share to ensure its success will last.
As I watched the presidential debate last week, I, like many of you, was filled with a profound sense of frustration. The lies that were fed to us by the White House and corporate media before the debate, and the post-debate spins, such as the excuse that Biden had a “cold,” or that he performed his duty the best “between 10 am and 4 pm,” were infuriating. Do you believe that those who seek to harm America will take into account Biden’s banker-like working schedule?
As time goes by, however, I realize we, the people, cannot afford to waste our time feeling angry and frustrated, or worse, throwing the towel and disengaging civically out of disgust and disappointment. Our country is in an unprecedented crisis, and the ruling class is so morally decayed that they will do anything to stay in power, even if it means ruining the country along the way.
Rather than shouting to TV or on social media, there are other way more productive things we can do save this great American experiment and ensure this republic lasts for many years to come.
We must protect our families and ensure the next generation learns America's founding principles and appreciates great art, books, and ideas that nurture a free society.
Our civic duty is not just a responsibility; it's a call to action. It involves speaking up against bad ideas and policies, voting in every election from the local to the federal level, and praying for divine Providence's protection of this nation. Let's be motivated to make a difference.
Even in the darkest times, hope can be a guiding light. We must encourage and support one another, especially when some of us feel down and see no hope for a better tomorrow. Sometimes, all one needs to hear to keep going is another person saying, "I got your back."
Let the current crisis become a new starting point for America's revival.
Through my own experience, I learned that God works in magical and mysterious ways. All we have to do is not give up, stay committed, and remain engaged. In these moments of despair, we must hold onto hope and persevere, for it is in these moments that change is most possible.
Happy Independence Day! May God bless America!
What a brave woman!
We are very fortunate to have you as a citizen, Helen!