There are many individuals who desire to someday be a U.S. citizen. They vary greatly in their circumstances. This includes in their age. Recently, here in California, a 103-year-old woman achieved her dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.
The woman is from Cambodia. Having long wished to come to the U.S., she was finally able to come into the country when she was around 97. She came to America to join family members.
Then, after over five years of being a permanent resident in America, she became a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
Her naturalization ceremony happened last week. At that ceremony, thousands of individuals became U.S. citizens. While the woman was the most senior member of those who received their citizenship at that ceremony, she is not the oldest individual to have ever gone through the U.S. naturalization process. That record was set by a 117-year-old woman who became a U.S. citizen in 1997.
The Cambodian woman’s story illustrates a couple of points. One is that immigrating to the U.S. in connection to family sometimes leads to the path to U.S. citizenship. It also shows that the individuals who go into the naturalization process vary considerably in their background and situation. Whatever the background or circumstances of a person who is seeking U.S. citizenship, it can be important for them to understand what steps the naturalization process involves. Understanding what their circumstances might mean for what issues will be important ones to address during this process can also be critical. Individuals pursuing U.S. citizenship can seek out advice and guidance on these subjects from experienced immigration lawyers.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, “103-Year-Old Cambodian Woman Becomes US Citizen,” Robert Jablon, Aug. 22, 2017
