Or, by the dictionary definition, she wasn't born here, but she is part of our family now. Why do people always think the worst first?
Dr. Murano. Thank you, Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Lugar, distinguished members of the committee, but there is nobody else here except the two of you. I am greatly honored and humbled to appear before you today as President Bush's nominee for Under Secretary for Food Safety at the United States Department of Agriculture. I would like to publicly thank the President and Secretary Ann Veneman for their support and for their trust in nominating me for this position.
I am a native of Havana, Cuba. My family and I emigrated to the United States about 40 years ago. As a Cuban American, I can proclaim to you without hesitation that we live in the greatest country on the face of the Earth. America opened her arms to Cubans fleeing Castro's regime, allowing me the incredible opportunities that have led to my appearing before you today.
On behalf of my family and countless Cuban Americans, I thank the United States of America, my country, for standing up for freedom and for the generosity and indomitable spirit of her people.
It was 1961 when my parents, my brother George and I left our homeland, settling in Puerto Rico, where I attended an elementary school. A few years later, we moved to Miami, Florida, where I worked my way through school, graduating with a B.S. in biology from Florida International University.
She gives a pretty detailed account but no mention of becoming a citizen.
She does say "my country". Still no mention of the day she took the oath of citizenship which is usually something most immigrants mention with pride.
Just wondering....
I didn't say it was bad. I just wondered. And, still wonder.