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On becoming a naturalized US citizen.

The President of the 80-20 Educational foundation, S.B. Woo, recently wrote a poignant article about “On becoming a naturalized US citizen”. I reproduce below with permission.

The Day I Was Naturalized

     I, S. B. Woo, was born in Shanghai, China.  On my own volition, I applied to become a US citizen.  On the day of the naturalization ceremony in 1972, there was deep emotion - internal conflicts, probably not different from those of most others.  The enlightening words of the presiding judge, Vincent Bifferato helped me understand what being a naturalized citizen is all about, and become a good American.   Here is the essence of what he said.

"Future Fellow Citizens of the U.S.A.,

 You probably harbor a mixed feeling today.  You may be happy because you wanted to be a U.S. citizen, and today you've achieved this goal.  On the other hand, you may also be sad, because you may feel that you are saying good-bye to all that you once identify with - the people back in your old country, whose hopes and dreams you've shared.   You may even be distraught, because years ago when you first came to this country, you thought you were getting an education or a career to later go back to help your people.  Now you feel that you are saying good-bye to that part of your dream.

Let me assure you that you don't need to stop caring or helping the people in your old country.  If one ceremony, like the one today, can make you turn your back to the people you once cared deeply about, the U.S. doesn't want you as a citizen. The U.S. is a greater nation than that.  America, a nation of immigrants, knows that people, who can turn their backs to their people instantly today after one ceremony, can turn their back to Americans tomorrow.  Instant loyalty doesn't imply good citizenship. Take your time to know your new country.  Examine America's core values.  Experience America's sense of liberty, justice and equal opportunity.  I feel certain that you will get to like America and perhaps love it.  America is not perfect, and will need your input and tender-loving care to help make it "a more perfect union" as our forefathers had hoped.  ....

Fellow citizens:  Now that you are each a citizen of your new country, you owe your primary allegiance to America.   However, you can continue to care and help people in your old country.  Welcome.  Good luck to all of you."

After the ceremony was over, I complimented Judge Bifferato for his extraordinary understanding of human nature which greatly comforted a new citizen like me. He smiled and said that actually naturalized citizens have paid a price for that privilege - you were not allowed to be a president or a VP of the U.S.A.  With a twinkle in his eyes, he said America's forefathers understood human nature deeply which might be why they come up with one of the best political systems in the world.  

Let me echo 58 years after a similar ceremony for myself: you couldn’t have said it better!