With the hope for a better future, immigrants like Duilio, dream of improving their quality of life. They see the United States as the land of vast opportunities and fearless immigrants leave everything they have behind in search of these opportunities.
Duilio was 58 when he came to the U.S. from Italy seven years ago to be reunited with his family. When asked what brought him to the U.S. he responded, “I wanted to be with family and I left my home searching for new opportunities. The opportunity to develop your interests and passions, to work on different projects, and to do things that challenge me.”
After waiting five years to start his naturalization process, Duilio is excited to become a U.S. citizen. To him, citizenship is much more than a status but it is, “roots, history, traditions, common goals, ideals. The pursuit of happiness, the construction of a better society, the opportunities of free speech and the right to assembly.”
He learned about the New American Workforce program through Mayor Bowser’s website and attended an informational workshop. Reflecting on what the workshop was like, Duilio says, “It was a good beginning, it was a wake-up call. A lot of enthusiasm, good-will, and the spirit of immigration was there. I really loved that meeting, people were motivated.” Leaving the workshop inspired and moved by the speakers, Duilio started his naturalization process.
Duilio is now waiting for his interview. He remains excited about soon becoming a U.S. citizen, saying, “This is somehow a dream come true, it [becoming a U.S. citizen] would be the conclusion of a journey and a new beginning as well.” After becoming a citizen, Duilio plans to apply for jobs that require citizenship and help make the country move forward as a better place for more people.