![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/Angie-2.jpg)
Maria
"I'm becoming a U.S. citizen because I love this country."
Maria
I've learned a lot of things in this country and have made it my home.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Mount Vernon, WA
date: February 2017
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/TG4.jpg)
Tobias
"I'm becoming a U.S. Citizen because the Latino vote matters."
Tobias
I came for a better life. I made a family here.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Mount Vernon, WA
date: February 2017.
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/4.23.16-Vancouver-2.jpg)
Jose
"For me, citizenship means the power to vote."
Jose
I believe citizenship will have a great impact on my life.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Vancouver, WA
date: April 2016
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2.6.16-Seattle-Teresita.jpeg)
Teresita
"For me, citizenship means power for change"
Teresita
country of origin: Mexico
region: Seattle, WA
date: February 2016.
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/have-permission_4.25.15-Mt-Vernon-2_Manuela-Fisher.jpg)
Manuela
"I'm becoming a U.S. citizen because I wanna be able to VOTE."
Manuela
I came to the United States because of love. I got married here in 1994. I came to the US in 1993. I met my husband while he was stationed in Germany, fell in love, and followed him here.
country of origin: Germany
region: Mount Vernon, WA
date: April 2015.
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/have-permission_2.6.16-Seattle-Rosemarie.jpeg)
Jane*
"For me, citizenship means ease."
Jane*
I came to the US for work, and for my spouse.
country of origin: Canada
region: Seattle, WA
date: February 2016
*we have changed the individual's name at her request.
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/have-permission_4.25.15-Mt-Vernon-3_Maricela-Alvarez-Ochoa.jpg)
Maricela
"I'm becoming a U.S. citizen because of more opportunities, jobs, and voting."
Maricela
My parents brought me here when I was a baby to give me a better education and life.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Mount Vernon, WA
date: April 2015
Maricela is now a U.S. citizen!
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/have-permission_9.19.15-Pasco-1_Alex_Balbuena.jpg)
Alex
"I'm becoming a U.S. citizen because I want to be a sheriff."
Alex
My dad came here when I was two years old. I’ve been a lawful permanent resident for 14 years.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Pasco, WA
date: September 2015
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/Soyla-Rafael.jpg)
Soyla
"I'm becoming a U.S. citizen because it will change my life for good."
Soyla
I came to the United States for a better life for my daughters.
country of origin: Mexico
region: Mount Vernon, WA
date: April 2015
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2.6.16-Seattle-009.jpeg)
Nancy*
"For me, citizenship means freedom."
Nancy*
country of origin:
region: Seattle, WA
date: February 2016
*we have changed the individual's name at her request.
![](https://wanewamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/4.25.15-Yakima-2.jpg)
Blanca
"For me, citizenship means security and voting."
Blanca
country of origin: Mexico
region: Pasco, WA
date: April 2015