Interview with a Naturalized Citizen: Magdalena Mieri

National Museum of American History

20 Sept 201206:46

Summary

TLDRMaria Magdalena Mii, a 47-year-old woman from Argentina, shares her journey to U.S. citizenship. Arriving in 1992, she discusses her strong ties to Argentina, including family and cultural connections. Motivated by civic participation, she underwent a two-year naturalization process, culminating in a ceremony at George Mason University. Wearing a pin symbolizing her dual identity, she reflects on the emotional significance of becoming a citizen, feeling empowered to contribute to her new country while honoring her Argentine roots.

Takeaways

🌍 Maria Magdalena Mii is originally from Argentina and moved to the United States in 1992.
📅 She arrived in Florida on March 27, 1992, and then moved to her current area in early April.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Maria came to the U.S. with her husband Fabian, and they both maintain strong connections to their home country.
📞 Maria stays in touch with her family in Argentina through weekly Skype calls and other means.
🗳️ Maria's primary motivation for naturalization was to gain the right to vote and become more active in civic society.
🤔 Maria's decision to naturalize was a personal one, and she did not have extensive discussions with her family about it.
📚 The naturalization process involved filling out forms, submitting information, paying fees, and studying for a civics interview.
🏫 Maria's interview was quick and easy, and she was asked only two questions and had to write a sentence.
📅 Her naturalization ceremony was on May 20, 2004, at George Mason University, and it was a large event with about 400 people.
📌 Maria wore a pin resembling the Argentinian flag to symbolize her dual identity as both Argentinian and American.
💖 Becoming a naturalized citizen gave Maria a sense of agency and belonging in American society.

Q & A

What is Maria Magdalena Mii's age?
-Maria Magdalena Mii is 47 years old.
In which year did Maria Magdalena Mii come to the United States?
-Maria Magdalena Mii came to the United States in 1992.
Where did Maria Magdalena Mii move to in the United States?
-Maria Magdalena Mii moved to an area in the United States in early April after flying into Florida in March 1992.
Where did Maria Magdalena Mii come from originally?
-Maria Magdalena Mii came from Argentina, specifically from a small town about 5 hours West from the capital city.
How does Maria Magdalena Mii maintain connections to Argentina?
-Maria Magdalena Mii maintains connections to Argentina by talking to her family on Skype, reading the newspaper, listening to Argentinian music, drinking traditional Argentinian beverages, and staying in touch with friends from high school.
What was Maria Magdalena Mii's primary motivation for becoming a naturalized citizen?
-Maria Magdalena Mii's primary motivation for becoming a naturalized citizen was to be able to vote and become active in civic society.
How did Maria Magdalena Mii's husband feel about becoming a citizen?
-Maria Magdalena Mii's husband felt that becoming a citizen was the next step after having the green card for 5 years.
How long did the naturalization process take for Maria Magdalena Mii?
-The naturalization process took almost two years for Maria Magdalena Mii.
What was the main challenge Maria Magdalena Mii faced during the naturalization process?
-The main challenge Maria Magdalena Mii faced during the naturalization process was the waiting and the amount of paperwork involved.
How was the naturalization interview for Maria Magdalena Mii?
-The naturalization interview was easy and friendly for Maria Magdalena Mii, and she was only asked two questions.
What object did Maria Magdalena Mii bring to symbolize her dual identity as an Argentinian and a new US citizen?
-Maria Magdalena Mii brought a pin that resembled the Argentinian flag, which was also made by Navajo Indians, symbolizing her connection to both her Argentinian heritage and her new identity as a US citizen.
How did becoming a naturalized citizen affect Maria Magdalena Mii's life?
-Becoming a naturalized citizen gave Maria Magdalena Mii a sense of agency and belonging in society, allowing her to feel free to contribute and express her opinion as part of the United States.