Land of the Free
Carrying “America, Land of the Free” signs, North County Patriots hold a 1 hour protest every weekend to “Wake the slumbering, middle-of-the-road masses who never pay attention to what’s really going on in this country.” Commenting on immigration, Patriot member Roberta Williams shares her view that it is only “illegal immigration that is a problem.”
Roberta would not have a problem with Josephina Duque who arrived in the United States July 29, 2004 from Colombia, South America, a documented and legal immigrant. Josephina came with hopes of freedom and feels fortunate that she had the right papers. She also recognizes the challenges for other immigrants searching for a better, safer life. “There are lots of people that struggle for what we have.”
In Colombia Josephina had a good income as a beautician and her business was thriving, but so were the guerilla organizations that flourish in Colombia. The tipping point for her came in 1999 when the guerilla’s kidnapped her thirteen year old son, kept him overnight and then returned him the next morning with demands for regular payments “to protect the family.”
Josephina left with her son and daughter, a few clothes and found refuge in Ecuador. Thanks to a hotel owner the family had a place to stay, but could only go out at night because the guerrillas watch this border city. After the hotel owner connected Josephina with an organization for refugees, and after several more moves the family arrived in the United States. Because they were brought to the United States as refugees they received full resident status. Listen as Josephina shares more of her story in the video above.
Josephina applied for citizenship in 2009 and is proud to be an American citizen. Like many others, she did not want to leave her homeland and she misses her family back in Colombia. Citizenship is long and challenging process for anyone. It is not simply a matter of filling out an application form, paying a fee and waiting to get a citizenship document.
What does it take to enter the country legally? Read St. Louis Beacon journalist Kristen Hare’s article to learn more.
Category: Citizenship
