Ariah Dixon

English 2010
Mandy Anger
September 28, 2015
Why Dont You Just Become a Citizen?

Okay so you were born and raised in the United States of America, and youre patriotic. I
understand that. Now lets take a little journey together. Imagine that for whatever reason, you
have to move to another country. How would you feel about that? Most of you would be open to
the idea. Next, consider how involved youd want to be with that new country. Would you be
running to the nearest immigration center to begin the naturalization process? Perhaps. What if
you found out however, that this process required you to renounce your U.S. citizenship? Ah,
thats probably where Ive lost most of you. Consider this as you read my story.
It was the summer of 2005, my parents sat my three brothers and I down, and they told us
that we were moving to Utah. It came as a shock to me, because through my eleven-year-old
perception Id seen no indication that we needed to move. However, my dad didnt have any luck
finding a new job in Alberta, and the offers he had in Utah influenced the decision for us to
relocate. It wasnt the moving that scared me, wed moved all around Alberta already, it was just

that it was unexpected, and SO FAR AWAY. Utah. My family and I had visited a few times
before. I had a couple of cousins, aunts, uncles, and even a grandma living there already. We
packed our moving truck and started the long drive south.
Im sure it was stressful for my parents to go through the visa process, and a little
disheartening to cross the border and not know what was ahead of us in this new nation. It didnt
faze me that we

were transitioning to a different country though, until I

began sixth

grade.
I remember the first day of class at Foothills
Elementary School in Herriman, Utah. I felt like an

outsider. Sure, I didnt look too unlike my classmates on the outside. We all ate off plates with
forks and knives. We spoke the same language, and wore similar clothes. We had many cultural
similarities. What initially threw me off was how obnoxiously blunt and loud everyone seemed
to be. Like how the too-happy blonde boy in the desk next to me hardly raised his hand before
addressing the teacher. And then at lunch my peers would announce I have to pee!, where at
my previous elementary school this would have translated to I have to use the washroom. I
submitted my first written assignment, and my teacher subtracted points from my grade for
spelling words like favourite and colour differently. Everyone forgot about Thanksgiving
being on the second Monday in October, but then decided to celebrate it in the end of November
when I was already focused on Christmas. Winter came, and no one knew how to dress for the
chilly weather. Since when was it a good idea to willingly wear open-toed shoes when theres
snow on the ground? I got weird looks after I referred to my winter hat as a toque. I was
corrected that its a beanie, but I thought that was the name for the little Ty Beanie Baby
stuffed animals. It didnt make much sense.

Its now 2015, and Ive lived in different parts of Utah for over ten years. Ive learned the
differences between Utahans and Albertans, and I guess Ive blended in more, except that I still
articulate the letter t in words like mountain. I spell words with the letter u like I was
taught to spell. I still argue that Celsius is much more effective than Fahrenheit. I dont think Ill
ever understand fry sauce.
During these ten years Ive traveled around much of the diverse and beautiful United
States, and Ive been back to visit the lovely Western Canada several times. My family and I
have been required to travel up to the border every one to three years to renew and update visa
statuses. Each border visit has been lengthy and nerve-wracking. We drive up to the window,
show our passports, and are welcomed with a smile home to Canada. After a few deep breaths of
Canadian air, we turn around to cross the U.S. side of the border. This is where were invited to
park and come into the building. We try to make ourselves at home, since we know we may be
there for several hours, but its hard to do that when the chairs are hard and uncomfortable,
theres little to no noise, and the bathrooms require permission to be unlocked. The Border Patrol
Officers who then inspect us and assist us show about as much emotion as those British Royal
Guards with the tall bearskin hats. There are always very specific requirements to fulfill, and a
single error or stuttered answer could cause suspicion. One time we werent able to enter back
into the USA for about a week because my dad didnt have all of the necessary paperwork. My
dad has had a work visa, which allows him to work and live here and have his wife and children
reside with him, until the children turn 21. His only major restriction is he cant vote. My
siblings, mom, and I arent allowed to be employed. We dont qualify for social security
numbers. When my older brother turned 21, he was forced to move back to Alberta because he
would have to pay international tuition here. How do you save up for tuition when you cant get

a job, or qualify for loans or scholarships? Fortunately, because I attended a Utah high school for
all three years, I can attend Utah colleges and universities and have my international tuition
waived. Im still classified as an international student, and had to go through the grueling process
of receiving a student visa when I turned 21. Living in this country has been expensive, and since
I havent been able to work an official job, I havent had to pay taxes, but its been emotionally
taxing.
Many of my American friends and associates, when informed of how difficult and unique
my situation is, ask the question Why dont you just become a citizen? They dont mean to ask
this question ignorantly, they dont know any better, but I have to refrain from laughter. The
naturalization process would not always be defined as simple or desirable.
Before you can even be eligible for citizenship, applicants have to obtain a U.S. green
card, which means being a lawful permanent resident. This in and of itself can be hard to
achieve. Then, after at least five years, comes filing detailed paperwork, and paying fees of over
$700. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security1 provides some of the forms necessary for
naturalization. You also must have a relative sponsor you. Next, you set an appointment for
fingerprinting and a background check. After fingerprinting, you have an interview with a
UCSIS officer, where you are also tested on your knowledge of American history, the
Constitution, and your English proficiency. Lastly, you attend a large public ceremony, where
youre given the oath, you swear loyalty to the United States, and you renounce previous
national affiliation.2 There can often be a lot of waiting in between each step. Or if filed
paperwork is incorrect, it can be rejected and youd be forced to start all over.
Actress Emily Blunt recently became a citizen of the United States of America. She was
interviewed on Jimmy Kimmel Live3, and when describing the experience she said, Well

people ask me about the

whole day. They were like,

Oh it mustve been so

emotional! and I was like,

It wasnt! It was sad!

I like being British! It was

the most bizarre day.

Later Kimmel asked, Oh,

you had to renounce

your queen, yeah? to

which Emily Blunt

responded in her cute

British accent, It was horrible! I had to renounce her in the room, but I dont actually
technically renounce her. When talking about the test to gain U.S. citizenship she chuckled, It
is the hardest test Ive ever had to take. I guarantee most Americans would have no idea how to
answer any of these questions.
There are several, almost endless, other ways a person can legally live in the U.S.A.
beyond citizenship. Fianc, marriage, work, student, and investing visas are all available. These
typically allow for temporary residency, but can be renewed indefinitely as long as you remain
eligible. Under most of these visas you cannot vote, and face risk of being deported if
qualifications are not met, but otherwise you can enjoy all the typical privileges of living in The
United States of America.4
Dont get me wrong, I like living in The States. I love the gorgeous beaches and the
different weather. I enjoy the possibility of opportunities. Im grateful to live near, and be able to
visit historical sites. The people are diverse and outgoing. Ive grown attached to some of the
food options that are available only locally. I love it here almost as much as I love Canada.
So why am I not a U.S. Citizen? First of all, Im not a permanent resident, and would not
yet qualify for the process. Additionally, I have many benefits on my student visa that fit my
current situation. One day I hope to be able to transfer to a marriage visa, which will offer even

more profits. Recall how youd feel about renouncing your country and heritage. I dont want
that either. Lastly, and greatly, Im a proud Canuck. Im not proud in a nationalistic Im-betterthan-you way, but I love my roots. After all, Im so Canadian that even my blood cells are red
and white.

1 "Become a Citizen." U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 31 July 2015. Web. 3 Oct. 2015.
<http://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/become-citizen>.
2 Bray, Ilona. "Steps to Become an American Citizen." AllLaw. Web. 2 Oct. 2015.
<http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/us-immigration/steps-become-american-citizen.html>.
3 Emily Blunt on Jimmy Kimmel Live. ABC. Hollywood. 9 Sept. 2015. Television.
4 Niren, Michael. "Moving From Canada To The USA?" VisaPlace Canadian US Immigration Lawyers. 17 Mar.
2014. Web. 24 Sept. 2015. < http://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/canada-visa-news/moving-fromcanada-to-usa/>.