Posted on 12/11/2006 7:48:59 PM PST by Responsibility2nd
When 25-year-old Zoraida Martinez takes the oath to become a U.S. citizen this week, it will be the culmination of a long, complicated and sometimes seemingly hopeless journey.
"I think I treasure being a citizen more than some people who were born here, because of everything we've had to go through to get it," she said. "When I receive that piece of paper, it will be a very happy time."
The Mexican immigrant arrived in the United States as a teenager shortly after her mother died, and she had nowhere else to turn.
Ms. Martinez was taken in by Elias and Becky Martinez, a Grand Prairie couple who adopted her and began paperwork to make her a legal immigrant. But because of a series of communication problems, misunderstandings and delays, the process stretched out several years and included a period when she was barred from entering the United States.
But because of her perseverance and that of her adoptive parents, Ms. Martinez became a legal immigrant in 2000.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
THIS is how immigration is supposed to work. Zoraida and her adoptive parents did everything by the book, and now the result is her chance to live the American Dream!
Welcome to America, glad you are here and may God bless...
Congratulations !
I'm glad she persevered and very happy that she made it. Please tell her I said welcome to America!
Thank you. I appreciate all the kind words.
From what I read in the article, it sounds like she will be an wonderful addition to the American family. Please tell her welcome and congratulations.
I hope all her dreams come true. ~~Pandora~~
She sounds like just the sort of new Americans we need.
Welcome to America Zoraida. We're glad to have you.
Thank your cousins also for being there to take her in and help out.
HI!!! I have no clue who this is but if you say you are related to my mother then I have to assume you are from LA. Thank all of you for your comments! It’s been tough but I made it!
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