October 11, 2023
By Kate Yeoman, Port Marketing and Communications Intern
Although approximately 260,000 legal permanent residents are eligible for citizenship in Washington State, many don’t apply due to a lack of information and the expense.
“Most people do not know that they can apply [for citizenship] after five years, or after three years of marriage to a U.S. citizen,” said Rosana Donoso-Barredo, Washington New Americans Senior Manager, a non-profit partnership between the State of Washington and OneAmerica that provides resources to become a U.S. citizen.
The Port of Seattle, Washington New Americans, and OneAmerica are partnering to spread awareness about pathways to citizenship. Learn more about the campaign→
If you are interested in applying for citizenship, “don’t be scared of the process; reach out for resources,” said Donoso-Barredo. “If you're not ready now, we can help you later.”
Learn more about the citizenship process first-hand below from two members of the Port’s Voice of Immigrants Committed to Equity (VOICE) employee resource group. It includes Port employees who identify as immigrants, refugees, people who speak multiple languages, global citizens, multicultural employees, and allies.
Nic Longo
Nic Longo, a Senior Aviation Planner and Transportation Engineer at the Port of Seattle, immigrated from Italy in 1998.
SEA: Tell us about your journey from Italy.
Nic: I moved to Seattle in 1998 for graduate school for civil engineering at the University of Washington (UW). My idea was to just come here, get my Master's degree, and go back to Italy. But at the time UW was offering the opportunity to do a year of on-the-job training. I found a private company and sent my resume in.
During the year of practical training, I applied for and received an H-1B visa, a nonimmigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the country. I applied to another position through that same consulting company and worked there for six years.
I also started to apply for a green card through my employment. It's a very complicated process. I started working for the Port of Seattle in 2011.
I was very fortunate to have the privilege to come here legally and from a country not at war. But at the same time, I saw a lot of my friends who were in the same situation were able to get citizenship through marriage rather than employment. For me, however, there was no marriage equality in the U.S. at the time, so my boyfriend (now husband) could not sponsor me. The rules are luckily different now.
SEA: Why did you decide to become a citizen?
Nic: I got my green card in 2007. After 10 years I needed to renew it. In 2016, there were things that made me want to become a citizen:
Voting rights (the right to vote is very important to me)
My work is here, my house is here, my family is here, and my kids are all here. So, it really made sense to become more than a permanent resident.
During the Trump administration, we didn’t know what was going to happen with immigration laws. So, my husband said, “Nic, this is a scary thing. We don't know what's going to happen with your green card. You need to become a citizen.” That's when I applied.
SEA: What advice do you have for others?
Nic: Don’t give up. It can be a long process. Also, if you are having a difficult time, ask for help. Organizations like OneAmerica can provide support, or if you work for institutions like the Port of Seattle, go talk with someone in their Human Resources Department. While you do that, try to do always the best you can at your job.
Also, when you belong to a marginalized group, you will have to work harder. I had to work a little harder to stay here.
Find resources about becoming a U.S. citizen→
Ghulam Mohmand
Ghulam Mohmand, a Lead Aviation Customer Service Representative at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), came from Afghanistan in 2015. His work with the U.S. government allowed him to emigrate quickly.
SEA: Tell us about your journey from Afghanistan
Ghulam: I came to the U.S. in 2015 with my wife and four children. It was a new country and a new culture. I worked three jobs for three years because I didn’t get help from the government, and it was expensive to live here. Then in 2019, I got a job at SEA Airport.
You are always going to miss the country that you were born and raised in, but Seattle has become a second home to me.
SEA: What are some obstacles you experienced that you want others to be aware of?
Ghulam: Coming to the U.S. was easier for me than most, but for most people, it is not easy. Some people who leave Afghanistan must travel a lot and move every 10-15 days for safety reasons. If leaving your home country is not your choice, it can be very painful.
Also, be prepared for racism. Most people here are lovely, but you might hear things you won't want to hear. You will be talked to differently or talked down to for having an accent or looking different.
You will be asked, “Where are you originally from?” Most people are genuinely curious and not racist; try not to take racism too seriously.
SEA: What advice do you have for others?
Ghulam: I strongly suggest two things:
- Higher education
- Learning a skill or trade
When you first come to the country, before you are homesick, seek education of some sort. This can include earning your Master's or Bachelor's degree or attending a technical college. You’ll have to work hard to succeed in this country. Learning English is important. Making six figures is ideal for being able to support yourself and your family.
Are you interested in citizenship?
You may be eligible to apply for citizenship if you meet the following criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- Green card holder for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years
- Able to read, write, and speak basic English (exceptions apply)
- Understanding of U.S. history and government
Although many people are nervous about applying for citizenship, 90-96 percent of people pass their interview. Going through the process is much easier with support. Those interested in applying for citizenship can receive free assistance with applications from volunteer immigration attorneys, paralegals, and interpreters during a daylong Citizenship Day clinic hosted by OneAmerica for the New Americans campaign.
