Sumiko Hasegawa is an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) student at Riis Settlement. With the help of Immigrant Services, Sumiko became a U.S. citizen in January 2013. “I became a U.S. citizen through the help of Riis Settlement’s Legal Services. In my long life, it is truly a great achievement to have obtained my citizenship.”
Sumiko thanks Paula Forero, the Immigration Attorney Consultant at Riis Settlement, for guiding her through the entire process. “I really want to thank Paula for all that she’s done for me. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Sumiko is originally from Japan. She says becoming a U.S. citizen has been a liberating experience but also came with its own sacrifices. “Becoming a U.S. citizen meant losing my Japanese citizenship. It was a really tough decision.” However, Sumiko says there are more benefits to losses. “Now that I am a U.S. citizen, I feel a renewed appreciation for my heritage. I want to vote for the next U.S. President in four years. I am grateful to all of you for giving me the opportunity to do that.”
Sumiko is excited about this new chapter in her life. She can’t wait to get more involved with her community through civic engagement. “Riis Settlement has inspired this old lady and given me a new purpose. Thank you!”
We wish Sumiko the best of luck in this next chapter of her life: congratulations!
