Summary: A woman decided to record thoughts about her naturalization in the United States. She discusses how she grew to learn what status is about in the country.
A woman, only identified as Sofia, posted a video online as part of the Open Society Foundations, about her naturalization into the United States. This process, for almost everyone, can take anywhere from five to 15 years to complete.
Sofia begins her story talking about being accepted to and given a full-ride for a boarding school in which she would study creative writing. She was then told she could not attend because she did not have a Social Security number.
Sofia then goes on to discuss everything she cannot do because she does not hold the all-important nine digit number required to obtain most documentation in the country.
She says the following:
“Let me count the ways that I can’t be a part of normal society in a way I would love to. I can’t work. I can’t find a legitimate job. I can’t drive because I can’t obtain a license. As a student, I can’t apply for FAFSA or any form of aid. I can’t vote, which to me is awful because I live in this country. I’m very much impacted by what my politicians do.”