An immigrant to the United States is an individual who relocates from another country with the intention of residing permanently.
Until recently, immigrants entered the US through various pathways, including family sponsorship, employment opportunities, asylum, or the diversity visa lottery.
Many go through a rigorous legal process to obtain residency, often securing a Green Card (lawful permanent resident status) before eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.
The journey of immigration is often marked by perseverance, adaptation, and the pursuit of new opportunities.
My Immigration Journey
My journey began in 1984 when I was appointed to a position at Colorado State University. This opportunity allowed me to apply for a Green Card, but the process was far from simple. Fortunately, I had the unwavering support of my department chair, Dr. James L. Voss, a man whose dedication went beyond the call of duty. He made multiple trips from Fort Collins to Denver, personally meeting with U.S. Immigration officials to advocate for my case. Thanks to his extraordinary efforts, I secured my Green Card and began a new chapter of my life in the United States.
In 1995, after over a decade of working and contributing to veterinary medicine in the U.S., I transitioned from Australia to the University of California. At that point, I made the decision to apply for U.S. citizenship. The naturalization process required patience, legal guidance, and time. I enlisted the services of an immigration attorney to help navigate the complexities, and after several years, I was finally granted citizenship.
One of the greatest aspects of this achievement was that I did not have to relinquish my Australian citizenship. Instead, I became a dual citizen, proudly holding allegiance to both countries that had shaped my life and career.
The day of my citizenship ceremony in Sacramento remains one of the most memorable of my life. I stood alongside several hundred others, an incredibly diverse group of individuals who, like me, had chosen to make America their home. I remember the Sacramento mayor speaking passionately about the significance of our presence and how honored he was to welcome us to the United States. The land of opportunity, as immortalized by a poem on a bronze plaque inside the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty:
The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Emma Lazarus (1883)
The moment that truly solidified my new identity as an American citizen came at my next entry into the U.S. As I approached the customs counter, the agent glanced at my documents and, without hesitation, said, "Welcome home." Those two words carried immense weight, affirming my journey and everything I had worked for. I was, indeed, home.
Rick’s Commentary
As an immigrant, I look at the current state of immigration in the United States with a heavy heart. The challenges faced by those who aspire to build a better life in this country have become increasingly difficult, often marred by political divides, bureaucratic barriers, and a lack of empathy.
The very ideals that drew me to America, the promise of opportunity and the embrace of diversity, seem to be under threat.
Compassion, in this context, means recognizing the struggles of those who seek refuge, hope, and a future in this country. It is about understanding that behind every immigrant's journey lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in the American dream. True compassion means advocating for fair and humane immigration policies that uphold the values this nation was built upon.
I am grateful for the opportunities I have had, but I cannot ignore the hardships that many immigrants face today. I hope that as a nation, we can once again extend the same warmth and welcome that I was fortunate to receive. No one should be denied the chance to call this country home simply because of circumstances beyond their control.
I am an immigrant. I am proud of this fact. Thank you, America.
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