Finally Presenting. . .Citizen Marisol!

Some of the 48 new citizens repeating the oath of allegiance. Photo courtesy of Pacific Daily News.

Today, May 1, 2oo8, Ruth Marisol Farnsworth became a naturalized citizen of the United States of America. The judge began the ceremony by reminding us that it was the 50th Annual Law Day. I am sorry, Dwight D. Eisenhower, but I did not even know that Law Day existed. While as a family we are relieved that our dealings with U.S. immigration are behind us, it does not come without a tinge of sadness. Marisol had to give up her Ecuadorian citizenship, which is a significant loss because it is part of who she is. The U.S. does not allow dual citizenship for Ecuadorians, although it does allow for Canada, Great Britain, Mexico, and some other countries. Still, we remain convinced that U.S. citizenship was the best option for her to avoid future problems in the constantly changing post 9/11 immigration laws.

Here we are, one nervous father and two bored children. The ceremony was not, shall we say, kid friendly. It included a generic prerecorded video from President George W. Bush and a keynote address by a local senator who spoke a long time without saying much. Plus we sang the trite "God Bless the USA" instead of the expected national anthem or "America the Beautiful." Perhaps one should suspect such pomp and little substance from official ceremonies.

Thank you for all your prayers for Marisol and our family during this LONG immigration process.