It was 43 years ago when I proudly became a naturalized US citizen. My parents sacrificed the comforts and familiarity of their native country and embarked on a journey seeking a better life for them and their 4 children. It was a decision my parents never looked back and never regretted. They made sacrifices, especially my father who left a very successful career. They have passed away now but my siblings and I know they are smiling down on us: their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We took full advantage of the opportunities America has to offer. We still miss our native country. We visit it often, not just just to rekindle our love for it but also to remind us why we came to this country. There will always be a place in our hearts for our native country but we have committed our love and loyalty to our adopted country. It is not perfect. It has its problems. But we want to preserve the goodness in it. We want to preserve its very essence that attracted us and others to immigrate in the first place. What is the “essence” of being American? Well, I hope this is something we can explore and revisit as Grateful Immigrants.
In the meantime, let us remember (to quote John McCain), “We are Americans first, Americans last, Americans always”

I believe I got my citizenship around 1992. It was a mixture of emotions. I felt I was betraying my mother country. Then I was also looking forward to the opportunities the US offered. The Actuarial profession was not as promising back home so I had to weigh my options. I would always rationalize that home is where your heart felt it belongs. I would always say “I am going back home to the Philippines” as opposed to “I’m going back to the States.” During my oath-taking ceremony, the judge said something that crystallized what I’ve been feeling leading up to the day. She said that in taking this oath you confirm where your loyalties lie but you do not give up in any way your heritage. It told me there were reasons to love both places. I know my blessings and they were more than many but that did not excuse me when it came to working and competing with others in the States. I do not live extravagantly but was rewarded enough to provide comfortably for my family. All because this country gave me what anyone really has – a fair shot. Life is full of trade offs. This country provided me with opportunity. No one stopped anyone from working towards it.