I am now an American citizen!

[bggirl 0]

Thank you, guys, for the kind words and support!! Nick, I know how your wife felt, and I am sure most of us immigrants felt that way more than once while trying to fit in and set up a decent life for ourselves here. My husband, too, says sometimes that I love this country and respect it more than many of the native-born Americans around us . I do feel like I am a "real" part of it now and, with the risk of sounding boastful, I think I do deserve this honor ! For me, becoming a citizen was the ultimate recognition for being a good person and a responsible resident of the country! It might sound a little too dramatic, as for some getting your cerificate is just a bureaucratic detail, that is not how I feel. Yesterday, I applied for my passport at a passport agency, and when I picked it up at the "will call" window, the man who handed it to me said "Enjoy your dream!" with a smile! Somehow he knew this was my dream for all these years! It was amazing because I doubt that he says that to every person getting a new passport!

And the thought that I won't have to deal with USCIS any more is a very warming and pleasant one ! I really need to work on rebuilding my nervous system now after 7 years of immigration headaches . I told my husband I really haven't seen a prettier passport anywhere - I know excatly how much of my time, energy, dreams, etc it's worth! I can't wait to show it at the airport counter when they ask for identification !

Good luck to all of you!