New Americans and the Journey to U.S. Citizenship
By Sarah Kittle
The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) in Sterling Heights, Michigan holds classes for those hoping to become naturalized citizens of the United States. Most but not all of the students are Iraqi immigrants who fled persecution and the threat of death because they are Christian.
Some have waited years to enter the country, traveling across continents and oceans with their hopes and dreams. Dreams of a better life, or in some cases, simply life. Hopes for a future, for themselves and their children and their children’s children. These brave souls left their homes, villages, and sometimes even family members behind to finally arrive in America, but their struggle doesn’t end there.
Do you know what it takes to become a citizen of the USA if you weren’t born here? Through the naturalization process, applicants must have a Permanent Resident (formerly Alien Registration) card and have lived in the U.S. for at least three years. With some exceptions, applicants must know how to read, write, and speak basic English, demonstrate that they know the fundamentals of U.S. history and show a basic understanding of how the U.S. government works.
Applicants must also certify that they are “a person of good moral character.” I wonder how many people born in the states could pass that test?
The CCF, in operation since 2006, is a godsend to those aspiring Americans. It helps them understand the process and complete each requirement, filling in forms and educating the applicants on what they must know, including enough English to be understood. It’s reassuring to receive advice from someone who speaks your native language.
Many Chaldeans arriving in Michigan over the years have been helped by the community that had already been established here. A study done in 2016 by the University of Michigan calculated that 160,000 Chaldeans lived in southeast Michigan and they collectively added 11 billion dollars to the local economy with their successful business ownership. Evidence shows without a doubt that immigration is good for the country. It leads to more innovation, greater occupational specialization, and a better educated workforce.
There have been many success stories from the CCF courses, including Laith Amanoel, now Systems Administrator for the Foundation. Laith was born in Iraq and lived there until one day in 2008 when his father received a phone call from the Islamic State. The family was to pay a fine or face beheading. Laith’s parents knew it would never end so long as they stayed because they were Christians, so they packed him and his siblings and made the 300 mile drive to Turkey, where family awaited them.
Laith came to the U.S. at the age of 10, eventually earning his degree in IT. Would he have had the same opportunity in Iraq, even if the threat of death were extinguished? “I am just so grateful that I am in the United States, where I can do anything I want and pursue my own story and path,” says Amanoel, who became a U.S. citizen in 2016.
Atheer Istifan’s journey has been a long one, with many twists, turns, and quite a few classes. He is fluent in no less than four languages, including Sureth, Arabic, Spanish, and English. A good student, when Istifan went to start his own hair salon a few years ago he took classes to learn about business management and taxes.
Istifan’s family has been here for decades. He has had a green card since he first arrived as a refugee, but wanted to become a naturalized citizen to fully participate in civic life. In April of this year, he came to the CCF for help. “I had no idea what they do here,” he said. “My friend and (hair salon) client Dan works here and told me they have classes for citizenship.”
He joined a class late, after a session had already started, and quickly learned the material. He even came in to study during another class period. After six short weeks, Istifan passed the citizenship exam. Now, he’s only waiting to make it official with an oath ceremony. Then he can cast his vote along with other citizens.
Elham Nooraldeen recently took the citizenship preparation course taught by Salam Sesi. Elham is bright and friendly and she excelled in the class. “She was so determined and such a pleasure to work with as a teacher,” Sesi remarked.
Elham, who gives her all to every situation, was so honored by the support and the opportunity provided by the CCF that she prepared a speech to read for the class. She’s ready for her USCIS interview and oath ceremony, and she credits the CCF for her confidence.
Statistics about individuals applying for U.S. citizenship show that those applying without a lawyer’s help are treated like second-class citizens—or rather, non-citizens. According to a 2018 CBS News report, only 3% of applicants without lawyers won their cases, as opposed to 70% with lawyers. Yet lawyers are not provided by the court in an immigration case as in a criminal case. It’s easy to get railroaded if you aren’t familiar with the tracks. In an immigration case, confidence and knowledge are key.
Nowadays, it is difficult to be confident about political things, including the election process. The CCF recently partnered with Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Vote and the City of Sterling Heights City Clerk’s office to host Voting 101, an educational event held in the Johny and Leila Kello Courtyard at the Foundation to teach individuals about the voter registration process. Students filled out ballots and used a voting booth. They even got to see how a tabulator processes the ballots.
Basim Lami is another client of the CCF. A man with enormous passion and a great love for music, he was an orchestral composer and has been performing for over 20 years. Basim plays the oud, a stringed instrument similar to a violin. Most people aren’t familiar with the oud outside of the Middle East, and Basim wants to change that. Creating a musical group that merges Chaldean music with American music is his first goal upon graduation. “When I pass the Citizenship exam, I will be happy to be an American,” said Basim.