How many amendments are there to the Constitution? How many representatives are there in the House? How many Supreme Court justices are there? Could you confidently answer without a quick Google search? How about in your second language? Alone? No lifelines? It’s hard! And there are 100 possible questions to study. But you only get this opportunity after having a “green card” for five years which cost you about $1200 and another $725 for the citizenship application which is about as easy to do yourself as your taxes. So you will probably pay a lawyer another thousand or so. And then begin the wait. And try to decide if you should hold out for the appointment to try to pass or pay another $455 to renew your “green card” in case you don’t pass.
Being an immigrant is hard. Just being an immigrant from one US state to another can be trying. Now imagine the state also speaks another language. Let’s cut our immigrants some slack. Most of them are hard-workers with close-knit families. Are there some slackers? You bet. Do we have citizens who are slackers? You bet. Let’s get to know each immigrant individually instead of grouping them as all alike. I don’t want to be grouped with slackers. Do you?
I Thessalonians 5:14 Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
If you know of someone who needs help with immigration paperwork or help studying for the Citizenship test, please have them contact me. Thanks!
Love and Literacy 