My wife became a citizen yesterday

[The Polack MSgt]

In a lovely ceremony in a local Junior High Gymnasium.

32 people from 20 countries from Japan to Cote De Ivoire, South Africa to Venezuela became our newest Americans, it was pretty moving TBH

High lights included an A1C from South Korea say "I came to love America as an exchange student, and today i swore my second oath, my first was my enlistment"

And I was tickled when my wife told the crowd that she can't wait to vote this November.

[MontanaMama]

1. How wonderful!

Congratulations to you and your wife. I went to a naturalization ceremony at our federal courthouse last summer. It was quite moving.

[The Polack MSgt]

11. Thank you - The school had the 7th graders in the gym to watch

as part of their civics class and the band played - it was really quite nice

[mcar]

19. What a wonderful lesson for those kids!

[bobbieinok]

64. My SIL from China became citizen in 92. My brother's 5th grade classes attended.

The swearing-in was in the afternoon.The school made it a school-sponsored field trip.

Brother brought their baby. Family joke that she became a US citizen before her mother did.

[The Polack MSgt]

73. Our kids came to the ceremony - They are both adults born in the US so no issue there

My wife and I spent many years of my career stationed in Japan and she never felt that she needed to become a US citizen - But 2 years ago we visited Japan for 2 weeks and she decided we'd never live there again.

Then the cheeto started making threatening noises about legal immigrants being deport able for nonsense reasons and she SOOOO wants to vote against him

So she started the process, and I of course tried to help - but mostly I just stayed out of her way

[irisblue]

2. Many many congratulations!

🇺🇸

[The Polack MSgt]

10. Thank you Irisblue

[Bernardo de La Paz]

3. Congratulations!

[The Polack MSgt]

5. Thanks man

She's pretty happy and relieved the process is done.

It is a pretty hard process to slog through - even for my never been in trouble, married for 30 years, mom of 2 adult children wife.

[smirkymonkey]

4. Good for her!

Congratulations and I can't wait for her to vote either!

[The Polack MSgt]

7. Voting against the Anus was a small part of her motivation, that's true

[bluedye33139]

6. My partner became a citizen in 2018

He was comfortable being a legal permanent resident until the Trump administration. Then, he decided that being more involved with the country he was going to live in for the rest of his life was called for it. It was a really magical day for us. Happy vibes to you both!

[The Polack MSgt]

8. Thank you so much, and belated congrats to your partner as well

[Ohiogal]

9. Congratulations!

All the best to your wife and all the other new American citizens!

[The Polack MSgt]

13. I told her that she'll enjoy going to the Cardinals games even more now -

And it's time to learn to like Apple Pie. I can't understand why she dislikes it, but that has to change now

[Leghorn21]

12. Oh, we are so honored and proud to welcome another citizen to our beautiful country!!

Congrats to you both, MSgt!!

[The Polack MSgt]

15. Thank you!

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

14. Congrats to you both!!

[The Polack MSgt]

17. I appreciate it - She'll get a kick from the thread when she gets home

[Hekate]

16. Welcome to the family!

[Hortensis]

18. Wonderful. Our DIL's ceremony last year was similar and very moving.

People from around the world hopefully finally ending what for many must have been hard, long journeys. She'd lived here since she was a child and only finally became a citizen because our little grandson was terrified that she'd be arrested and taken away.

My husband and I have early-voted our best effort to keep them all safe. Which they are not as long as the fascistic nativist RW dominates government.

[The Polack MSgt]

43. Thank you for the good thoughts and congrats to your DIL a swell

[Laffy Kat]

20. Awww. Congrats to both your wife and family.

[The Polack MSgt]

44. Thank you Laffy Kat

[MLAA]

21. A couple of years ago two friends became citizens and I attended the ceremony

I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it was! What a wonderful experience. If you haven’t attended one, I suggest going once even if you don’t know anyone.

[The Polack MSgt]

45. I would second that recommendation. Looking at it from the inside -

My wife and I as we went through the process lost sight of the bigger picture...

But seeing a group of strangers decide to join us and begin a new life as Americans is touching to see

[MLAA]

70. Congrats, and whew! For you both!

[Karadeniz]

22. Congratulations to your better half!❤

[The Polack MSgt]

47. Thanks!

[Anon-C]

23. Congratulations to you both. Must be proud!

[The Polack MSgt]

48. I am proud of her - Well I always was - but this is special

[drray23]

24. Congratulations to your wife.

A month ago I was invited to be the guest speaker at a naturalization ceremony here in Norfolk, VA. I immediately said yes. It was a great privilege to address new citizens and wish them well.

[The Polack MSgt]

49. Thank you

[GeoWilliam750]

25. Congratulations to the both of you

[The Polack MSgt]

50. Thank you

[PoliticAverse]

26. Best wishes! n/t

[Dem2theMax]

27. Congratulations to your wife!

This post really brought a smile to my face.

And I saw up thread that she doesn't like apple pie. I can eat her share until she gets used to it.

[dewsgirl]

28. That's wonderful. I find the test fascinating, most Americans

I know couldn't pass it. They failed a Swiss ice cream vendor with a question about bears and wolves being enclosed together at the zoo.
Congrats to you both.

[captain queeg]

29. People who choose to become Americans and work to do so always impress me

I’ll bet she knows more about the US than most koolaid drinking Trumpsters.

[sheshe2]

30. That is wonderful news!

Congratulations to you both.

[The Polack MSgt]

75. Thank you Sheshe2

[sheshe2]

79. ps...

I have an apple pie recipe your wife might adore. Not a traditional one...yet to die for. It has a crumb crust and the apples tossed with sour cream and other stuff. I have won contests with it.

[The Polack MSgt]

80. I would love it -But my wife hates cooked fruit

Baked apples or stewed plums and any fruit pie - she is against 'em all


When I go on the road for my job I eat cobblers and pies every chance I get

[sheshe2]

86. When I get a chance will send it to you.

[samnsara]

31. very cool!!!

[The Polack MSgt]

82. Thanks Samnsara

[warmfeet]

32. Congratulations!

I hope each new citizen votes this November.

[peggysue2]

33. Nice!

Good news is in short supply these days. This certainly made me smile.

Thanks for posting!

[dumbcat]

34. Congratulations! I know the feeling

My wife also became a citizen, 40 years ago this month.

[The Polack MSgt]

83. Congrats back to you - And thank you

[Joinfortmill]

35. Congratulations!

[soldierant]

36. Congratulations to the United States

on the acquisition of such wonderful people.

And of course warmest wishes to you and your wife for your continued happiness!

[underpants]

37. 🇺🇸

Awesome

[Ilsa]

38. We are lucky she chose us!

And congratulations to both of you, too!

[iluvtennis]

39. Nice - congrats. nt

[DashOneBravo]

40. Congrats!

[The Polack MSgt]

41. Thanks LT - we appreciate it

[brer cat]

42. That is wonderful news!

Congratulations to you both!

[Demovictory9]

46. good

[Faux pas]

51. Kickin' with gusto!

Congrats to us all!

[Squinch]

52. It's a really hard process. Congratulations to her, and I am so happy for you both!

[doc03]

53. I would bet my SS check Trump couldn't

pass the test.

[lunasun]

54. Congrats Mrs. TPS! So glad you can vote now!

[snowybirdie]

55. Wonderful!

Welcome and vote blue!

[H2O Man]

56. Recommended.

[3catwoman3]

57. What a lovely post.

Celebrate with joy!

If it is not too personal, which of the 20 countries did she come from? )Of course, do not answer if you prefer not to.)

[The Polack MSgt]

58. She was Japanese. My wife is from northwest Tokyo

[3catwoman3]

59. Thank you for answering.

I spent 2 vey happy years in Japan, on my second active duty tour while in the Air Force nurse corps, at Yokohama Air Base. Met my husband there - we were next door neighbors in the BOQ.

I collected a number of woodblock prints and water colors while there, as well as Imari ware and sake sets, so I am reminded every day of my time there. We went often to Tokyo. Always took the train - too chicken to drive.

[panader0]

60. Congrats to both of you. Very cool.

[Evolve Dammit]

61. Awesome. Congratulations and welcome to all. This is what makes America great!

[spanone]

62. Congratulations!!!!

[JimGinPA]

63. Congratulations!

We haven't chatted for a while. I wondered if you went to Mike Zito's Tribute to Chuck Berry a couple weeks ago. I looked for you...

[The Polack MSgt]

110. I was on the road unfortunately. - too bad too. Mike is a -

Last edited Mon Mar 2, 2020, 02:01 PM - Edit history (1)

Reliably good show

My wife and I have tickets for Stephen Marley at the Old Rock House. He's doing acoustic, stripped down versions of his and some of his father's music.

Really looking forward to it.

ETA: April 5th - I believe tickets are still available

[PatrickforO]

65. I'm very happy for you. Please accept my wishes for a wonderful

new chapter in both your lives!

[IADEMO2004]

66. Todays Best News!! Well Done.

[MicaelS]

67. Wonderful!!!

I was a child when I was naturalized and do not remember it.

[meow2u3]

68. Congratulations to your wife!!

[lillypaddle]

69. Congrats to you both

and to us - we have added another stellar US citizen to our ranks!

[NBachers]

71. And today, our country is even better!

[Beausoleil]

72. Congratulations! n/t

[The Polack MSgt]

74. Thanks!

[bluestarone]

76. CONGRATS!

[dawg day]

77. Welcome to our new voter!

It is such a great contribution to our nation-- these wonderful new citizens.

[dawg day]

78. Welcome to our new voter!

It is such a great contribution to our nation-- these wonderful new citizens.

[DAMANgoldberg]

81. Congratulations!

As I went through the postings so far in this thread, I literally felt shivers throughout my body. These are the stories of people who still think we are part of one of the greatest countries on earth despite current "leadership". Gives me hope for the future.

Again, welcome to the US family!

[George II]

84. An exciting day for all...

I can remember about 50 years ago when my mother was sworn in, the whole family was in court for the ceremony.

Congratulations to your wife and you.

[The Polack MSgt]

85. George II I appreciate the thoughts

[JohnnyLib2]

87. Congratulations to both of you!

It's a plus for all of us.

[Stonepounder]

88. Congratulations!

It's a big step and it is what (normally) makes America great. And a big shout out to your wife. Welcome to the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a US Citizen (and it is mainly Good!).

[BumRushDaShow]

89. Big congrats to her and your family!

I know that is a big load off your minds given the current administration's nativism.

[The Polack MSgt]

92. Thank you BRDS

[CaptainTruth]

90. My wife is now eligible for citizenship, but says she doesn't want Trump's signature...

...on her citizenship certificate.

[The Polack MSgt]

91. I get that completely - I never display my retirement certificate

Because of fucking W's signature, and My wife is freaked out by his weird saw blade adderall spasm of a signature.

But she gets to vote against his orangeness now at least

[mahina]

93. Congratulations!

🌸🤙🏼🙌

[eppur_se_muova]

94. Sorry to sound a sour note, but how many of those would our Idiot-In-Chief regard as "s***holes" ?

How many of these people were Norwegian, and thus acceptable to his "base" ?

You got to see (and share in) what some 40% of Americans think should be reserved for only the "right kind" of people. If they had their way, most of those people wouldn't have been there. 45 has even created an office for denaturalization of immigrants who have gained citizenship.

I know all at DU are aware of this, but we need to remind ourselves how many of our friends and colleagues -- and even family -- wouldn't be here if the MAGAts had their way.

[KT2000]

95. That is great!

Congrats to her!

[murielm99]

96. Congrats to both of you!

[Maeve]

97. Congrats!

Welcome to the new citizen!

[The Conductor]

98. Congratulations!

That is thrilling to hear... One of my responses to Don the Con and his anti-immigrant bigotry cult has been to assist as many people as I can in passing U.S. citizenship. That includes a friend from Japan who had been here some 30 years, but who felt really vulnerable as a non-citizen after her husband died.

Real Americans do not look like the Trump clan and their cargo cult. Real Americans come in an assortment of colors, cultures and beliefs. That's the America I want to live in.

[Aussie105]

99. Multiculturalism rules, ok?

It enrichens all our lives.

Why some people feel threatened by it, is a serious question I can't answer.

Just the different foods different cultures brought to Australia over the 60 years I've lived here has convinced me.

I'm sure America is the same.

[DFW]

100. As far as "foreign" food goes, America was always one step ahead, even of Europe

I had my first Chinese food at age 7, and that was in Virginia, on the east coast. While in my early teens, I was introduced to Thai, Korean, Indian, Scandinavian, Lebanese and Creole (Caribbean) food. That is not a full list. Food from almost everywhere in Europe, including France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Russia, and, finally, Turkey and the rest of the Middle East.

While I was in college in Philadelphia, I used to play music for a café-restaurant run by Assyrians. I wasn't aware that these people still even existed. I had learned about Ashubannipal and Ziggurats in Ancient History classes like everybody else, but had no clue these people were still thriving. To me, it was like having a face-to-face meeting with a coelacanth. Their food was pretty good, too.

My wife, who is from Germany, never even tasted her first pizza until she was 19, and all the oriental food was unknown to her until I intruduced her to them.

[Gothmog]

101. Congratulations

[DFW]

102. My wife will never vote in America

She is perfectly fine with her identity as a German, and has no inclination to seek American citizenship, as she has no reason to want to live there. She also respects my decision to keep my American citizenship, would never dream of asking me to give it up. Our daughters have both nationalities, as is their birthright, and have no intention of giving up either. They proudly cast their votes for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election, and have done so every time since they were of legal voting age.

[The Polack MSgt]

103. We had been married for 30 years when she decided -

To apply.

So I understand both sides of the question.

Had I found a good position in Japan after I retired from the Air Force she would likely never have applied for citizenship.

But we sank roots here in the corn fields and she came to feel more like an American than a resident of America.

It took quite a while to reach that decision DFW. If your family lives in Europe and always expects to, I'm not sure what would lead your wife to apply.

[DFW]

106. We have one daughter here and one in the USA

Our elder daughter lives in New York, and says she's home. She grew up here in the Rheinland, but she had always loved visiting New York City, even as a small child, just to visit with my grandfather when he was still alive. He lived to be 102, so my girls had a great grandfather for longer than many western kids do.

My brother was stationed in Japan for a while, and met his wife there as well. She was a bank teller then, and in those days, that was about as high as she could ever hope to rise, career-wise. She went back with him to Washington, and they had to get married if she was going to stay there, so they did (even invited us to take part as active participants, so we had a double wedding that looked like the UN General Assembly). No longer constrained by 1980s Japanese social norms for women, she was a vice-director of the World Bank in Washington within 10 years. Her responsibility was (surprise, surprise) the Asia desk. Because of my brother's security clearance, she was forced to take U.S. citizenship, something she had not been intending to do. But she never planned to live in Japan again, either, so she wasn't bothered by anything other than the paperwork.

My wife is very protective of her identity as a German and a European. If, for any reason, we were ever to move back to the USA permanently, she would seek a green card, but never citizenship.

[FM123]

104. Big congratulations to your wife!

I was just a child when my mom was naturalized but I remember how magical and moving it felt to me, even then.....

[randr]

105. Without people like your wife we are less of a nation

[58Sunliner]

107. Congratulations!!

[TuxedoKat]

108. Wonderful!!! Congratulations to your wife!!! nt

[democrank]

109. Such good news.

Congratulations!