Rosalie Bird exercises right by casting ballot
Fannin County resident Rosalie Bird voted for the first time during the 2020 General Primary Election and Non-Partisan Election Tuesday, June 9 after officially becoming a United States citizen in August of last year.
Bird has been in the country since 2008 and has gone through a lengthy process to become an official citizen.
“It took a long time to process all of the citizenship documents,” she said. “I had to start with a two year green card application fee. Then, I received my 10 year green card application fee.”
Before officially gaining citizenship, she had to take a test containing 100 questions regarding the history of the United States, participate in an interview and take reading and writing tests. She said, “They provided me the book.”
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, individuals age 18 or older seeking to become a citizen of the United States may apply for naturalization by filing a Form N-400, which is an Application for Naturalization.
In order to be eligible for naturalization, an applicant must fulfill the following eligibility requirements set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):
•Be at least 18 years of age;
•Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder);
•Have resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years;
•Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months;
•Be a person of good moral character;
•Be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language;
•Have knowledge of U.S. government and history;
•Demonstrate attachment to the principles of the Constitution and well disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States; and,
•Be willing and able to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Special naturalization provisions are in place that exempt certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens and members of the military, from one or more of the requirements for naturalization.
The INA also provides for the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship or naturalization of children who are under the age of 18.
Over the last decade, the nation has gained more than 7.2 million new citizens through the naturalization process.
“I am excited to have the privilege to vote now,” Bird said. “I’m now a proud citizen of the United States of America.”