- I moved to the US in 2010 for grad faculty in New York Metropolis.
- I deliberate to return to Argentina and proceed my profession there.
- I am married to an American, and we’re elevating our three children collectively.
Once I utilized to a grasp’s diploma program within the US, I did not plan to maneuver completely.
I assumed I would attend Columbia Journalism’s 10-month program after which transfer again to Argentina, the place I had left a boyfriend, my cat, a completely furnished house, and each member of my household.
Once I obtained a job supply after graduating, my dad insisted I ought to at the very least give New York Metropolis a strive for a yr.
One factor led to the following, and I have been within the US for 14 years. I am married and have three children, and I lately grew to become an American citizen so I may vote.
Changing into a mother made me care extra about politics. I need to do my half as a dad or mum to make sure my three children have a future stuffed with alternatives.
For years, I needed to clarify why I could not vote
Each time an election got here round, individuals would ask me why I hadn’t voted.
Once I obtained married to my husband, household and buddies assumed that as a result of he was American, I might routinely be capable to vote. It is not that straightforward. For some time after getting married I used to be nonetheless on a piece visa, so legally I used to be nonetheless not eligible.
Then, I made a decision to change into a resident and utilized for a inexperienced card by marriage.
I keep in mind the interview for my inexperienced card vividly.
My husband and I needed to show that we had been in an actual relationship. We introduced albums from our weddings, and I held our 4-month-old child in my arms, attempting to assuage him again to sleep. When the officer requested if I deliberate to overthrow the federal government, my sleep-deprived mind thought he requested whether or not I used to be going to “respect the federal government,” to which I replied, “Sure.” The officer stopped, my husband checked out me in shock, and I mentioned, “Wait, what was the query?”
The officer requested once more. I answered accurately, and I sighed in reduction after I was authorized.
Once more, many individuals wrongly assumed that meant I may lastly vote.
I grew to become an American citizen on the finish of 2021
My three children had been born within the US and are Americans. I frightened about all of my household however me having American passports. Considered one of my largest fears was being separated from them on the US border when touring again from holidays — I had been questioned extensively prior to now regardless of having a sound work visa. So, after being on a inexperienced card for 4 years, I made a decision to use for American citizenship.
My primary motivators had been my children. I needed to make sure that we’d by no means be separated due to our nationalities. I additionally needed to have the ability to assist make choices about their future. One main method to do this was by voting.
I took my citizenship check in November 2021. I used to be over-prepared and misplaced many nights of sleep. Weeks later, I used to be invited to my swearing ceremony and have become a naturalized citizen.
That is the primary yr I’ll vote for president
Since changing into a citizen, I’ve participated in all native elections. In Argentina, voting is obligatory, and so I take the accountability critically.
For the primary time, I’ll vote for a US president, and I am doing it due to my children. I need to have the ability to solid my vote for his or her future since they can not vote but.
No matter occurs, it’s going to be a memorable election for me — I’ll lastly get my “I voted” sticker.
