I had opportunity this past week to witness something for the first time and frankly I felt it a great chance for a story . Turns out it was a great chance indeed and one I’ll likley never forget though I might have preferred to tell it years ago . It started at 6:40 a.m. when the wife and I arrived at 9300 Belvedere Rd. West Palm Beach while it was still dark. We parked amongst seven other vehicles that were already there before us with more cars quickly following . Dead on 7:00 a.m. the security personel of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Office unlocked the doors to proclaim that those with a 7:15 a.m. appointment were to line up first and those with a 7:30 were to follow. In short order some three dozen people entered to go through the security clearance and metal detectors to sit and wait while the applicants took their turns for the interview and test required to become a Naturalised U.S. Citizen.
As expected there was one minority in particular that held the majority in that waiting room along with a few token Europeans. We became quite chatty with a nice girl from Belfast who offered her forgiveness for my being born a Brit while her American girlfiend cried over the impact the day would have on their lives . The Europeans were very confident but the nervous expressions on the faces of many of the Latinos was evident as interviews and tests obvously were never part of their daily routine . One by one they were called into offices for their interviews and tests . Those that succeeded were invited to sit in the large ceromonial hall to await their official certificate that proves they are now Citizens of the United States of America.
Not everyone was invited to wait in that hall . The African girl who spoke English with a perfect American accent was sent home as was the two young Cuban “partners” along with others. Of the twenty or so applicants that did pass I was particularly pleased that the overly nervous Mexican woman whose husband has worked the sugar cane fields in Belle Glade for the past ten years was one of the smiling faces waving the little American flag she was given. She sat next to my wife and they chatted and laughed together like old friends.
As interesting as all this was I found the follow up to be it’s equal . With well deserved pride the wife told a woman and her daughter we know that she’s just become a U.S. citizen and was instantly rewarded with
“That’s fantastic !! We are so proud of You !!”
which we quicly learned was merely one side of the inevitable aisle as the reaction to this news has so far come in two very distinctly different responses . Five out of ten to date have offered the congratulations similar to the Mother and Daughter and even a half dozen very sweet cup cakes with icing decorated with little American flags. The other five were remarkably similar to each other and I’ll assume these were said in jest ….
” Now you’ll have to pay taxes .”
” Now you’ll have to file an income tax return .”
” You’ll have to pay taxes now .”
” Did you have to pay taxes before ? ”
and our favorite … ” Now you’re a taxpayer and Welcome to MY country “
