My Path to Citizenship
“In this country, all of us are free. That Freedom Is founded on the principle that this nation is a country of laws, not of men.”-Judge Schwartz
Photo by Chalo Gallardo on Unsplash
Recently, a dear high school friend of mine shared a note from her father that spurred a strong memory for me, the memory of my path to citizenship.
Each of us, except for a tiny few, came to this country from other lands. We are here because our fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, our forebears, journeyed here in search of a better life for themselves and their children; to find a land where they and their families would be free.
-Judge Schwartz
In 1994, I had the opportunity and privilege of becoming a citizen of the United States. My family came here in the early 70’s from Sri Lanka shortly after the 1965 Immigration Act, the Hart-Celler Act. This particular immigration act increased the number of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Eastern and Southern Europe. One of its categories allowed for people with specialized skills or professions, such as my father, a doctor from Sri Lanka, to enter the United States. My mother was the first in the family to become a citizen and I remember her going to the local library and studying the history of the United States. She would bring books home and study at the kitchen table, teaching us about the Bill of Rights and so many more important facts. Many years later, my sister and I decided it was time to change our ‘resident alien’ status to full citizenship status. We filled out the extensive paperwork, completed the quiz/interview, and all the other elements of the application.
Finally, the day came for us to get sworn in as citizens in downtown New York City. So many of us crowded into a warm courtroom. As I waited for the ceremony to begin, I looked around at the sea of faces of every shade and heard the many languages being spoken. To my surprise, the judge who walked in to conduct the Naturalization Service was the father of my dear high school friend, Rachel. The Honorable Judge Schwartz specially presided over the naturalization proceedings of the day, once he found out that my sister and I would be there! He gave a thoughtful and powerful speech about the meaning of citizenship and democracy that still resonates 31 years later.
Finally, and most importantly, every country is only as good as its citizens. As citizens, we can insulate ourselves from people around us and dwell on how different others are from ourselves – – or we can give recognition to the fundamental principle our democracy – – that all men and women are created equal. We can focus on how much alike we are; and devote our attention and turn our thoughts to the things that we share and that help to bring us together.
The overwhelming and enduring truth is that by protecting and defending rights of others, we protect and preserve those rights for ourselves and our loved ones
-Judge Schwartz
His words had great meaning to me on that day in 1994 and they have profound meaning to me today as I reread them in 2025.
I have enormous gratitude to Judge Schwartz for his meaningful speech that day and to my parents who dared to make the bold decision to journey to a new country. I am grateful to the folks who in 1965 had the wisdom and vision to understand that this country was built by immigrants and would be made stronger by immigrants. They understood this country’s past, present, and future. The Hart-Celler Act was signed in October of 1965, during the civil rights movement, at the foot of The Statue of Liberty by Lyndon B. Johnson with the intention of ending preference to white immigrants.
Over my shoulders here you can see Ellis Island, whose vacant corridors echo today the joyous sound of long ago voices. And today we can all believe that the lamp of this grand old lady is brighter today—and the golden door that she guards gleams more brilliantly in the light of an increased liberty for the people from all the countries of the globe.
–President Lyndon B. Johnson, October 3, 1965
I leave you with the thoughtful and thought-provoking words of the late Judge Schwartz who had incredible wisdom in 1994 that we can certainly learn from today in 2025. I hope that you will take the time to read the totality of what he wrote and expressed to the room of brand-new citizens on that day. Take time to reflect on what these powerful words mean to you.
Remarks on Naturalization Service
Written by Allen G. Schwartz
I congratulate you and extend my best wishes.
I have a few brief comments on this wonderful occasion that I believe are worth noting. First, you should carry with you as you leave this courtroom the thought that you are a citizen equal to any citizen whom you see in this building, on the streets, in the subways and in the city. Citizenship means that you have certain rights and privileges and those rights and privileges are equal to those of every other citizen no matter who they may be or how important they seem or however long those people may have been citizens. Citizenship doesn’t depend on seniority or length of service. As citizens we are all equal.
Each of us, except for a tiny few, came to this country from other lands. We are here because our fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, our forebears, journeyed here in search of a better life for themselves and their children; to find a land where they and their families would be free.
In this country, all of us are free. That Freedom Is founded on the principle that this nation is a country of laws, not of men. What that means is that this country is founded upon a Constitution from which all of our laws derive. No man or woman, whether they be the President, the Congress, the courts, the Governor, the Mayor or the Police may deny you your freedom or privacy so long as you abide by the laws of the land. The laws are there for your guidance and your protection; and so long as you live within the law, you are secure.
Finally, and most importantly, every country is only as good as its citizens. As citizens, we can insulate ourselves from people around us and dwell on how different others are from ourselves – – or we can give recognition to the fundamental principle our democracy – – that all men and women are created equal. We can focus on how much alike we are; and devote our attention and turn our thoughts to the things that we share and that help to bring us together.
The overwhelming and enduring truth is that by protecting and defending rights of others, we protect and preserve those rights for ourselves and our loved ones.
Again, I extend to you the congratulations and best wishes of all of us.
