From being denied a visa twice to becoming a citizen of the United States: My story

The journey to United States citizenship can be arduous and full of obstacles, and my journey was no exception. It all began in 2001 when my mother decided to apply for visas for the entire family to visit the United States. However, our hopes were dashed when we faced the challenge of long waiting periods and later, the aftermath of the tragic attack on the Twin Towers.

I vividly remember the day of our first visa appointment. The atmosphere was heavy with sadness and despair, with people leaving the consulate with tears in their eyes. To make matters worse, my father elaborated too much in his answers during the interview, which, as we later learned, is a common mistake when applying for a visa. The denial was heartbreaking and left our family in sorrow.

Years passed, and the dream of visiting the United States remained alive in my mind. In 2007, while I was in college, I decided it was time to try again. I convinced my mother that our circumstances were different this time and that we would succeed.

The second time we applied for the visa, we faced a tense atmosphere at the embassy. An unfortunate incident, where a person became embroiled in a heated argument after being denied a visa, reminded us of the delicacy of the situation. Despite following all instructions and staying out of the altercation, our application was again rejected.

However, as the saying goes, “The third time’s the charm.” In 2012, I persuaded my mother to try once more. This time, our determination and perseverance paid off. When we finally heard the words “Welcome to my country,” disbelief and joy washed over us. We ran out of the embassy, fearful that at any moment someone might retract the decision.

My experience with the visa process was an emotional rollercoaster, but it was also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. Since then, my journey has led me to become a citizen of the United States, an achievement that I deeply cherish and that would never have been possible without the strength of will of my family and me.