Indian Woman Achieves US Citizenship At 99, Sparks Debate On The American Dream

At the remarkable age of 99, Daibai, an Indian native born in 1925, has achieved what many would consider a milestone: attaining United States citizenship. Her story, echoing far beyond the borders of her birthplace, has reignited fervent discussions surrounding immigration policies and the daunting visa backlogs that plague aspiring migrants worldwide. Residing in Orlando alongside her daughter, Daibai's journey showcases the earnest  belief held by many across the globe that America offers the promise of a better life, regardless of age or background.

They say age is just a number. That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a #NewUSCitizen in our Orlando office. Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance. She's pictured with her daughter and our officer who swore her in. Congrats Daibai! pic.twitter.com/U0WU31Vufx

— USCIS (@USCIS) April 5, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with its official Twitter account, shared the heartening news of Daibai's naturalization, symbolising the culmination of her lifelong aspiration. The accompanying image captures the  moment as Daibai proudly holds her naturalization certificate alongside her daughter, with a USCIS officer bearing witness to the historic occasion.

In accordance with USCIS regulations, individuals aged 65 or older who have resided in the United States as permanent residents for a minimum of 20 years are eligible to undertake a modified version of the civics examination as part of the naturalization process. This provision, known as the '65/20 exception,' acknowledges the unique circumstances of older immigrants while facilitating their integration into American society.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is a legal process through which foreign individuals acquire United States citizenship, entitling them to the same rights and privileges as native-born citizens. The issuance of a Certificate of Naturalization signifies the completion of this transformative journey, marking the individual's formal status as a citizen of the United States. Distinct from naturalization, the Certificate of Citizenship is conferred upon individuals who either derive citizenship from their parents or acquire it through other means, such as birth on US soil.

Questioning the American Dream

Daibai's naturalization has prompted reflection among netizens, stirring debates about the accessibility of the American dream. Some question the value of citizenship attained at such an advanced age, raising concerns about its societal and personal significance. The narrative highlights broader issues surrounding immigration policies and visa backlogs, particularly concerning employment-based green cards and H1B visas.

Addressing Visa Woes and Backlogs

The plight of skilled professionals caught in visa backlogs underscores the challenges inherent in the US immigration system. Engineers, scientists, journalists, and other professionals face prolonged wait times for visa approvals, hindering their aspirations and contributing to frustrations within the community. Varun Singh, MD of XIPHIAS Immigration, as reported by Hindustan Times, emphasises the urgent need for reform to streamline visa processing and alleviate delays, while advocating for legislative modernisation to align visa policies with current economic needs.

By aligning visa policies with economic realities and bolstering program integrity, policymakers can cultivate an environment conducive to both prosperity and inclusivity. Experts advocate for increased awareness of adjustment of status benefits and visa processing efficiency, and by empowering immigrants with the tools and resources needed to navigate the complexities of the immigration system, we can unlock the full potential of diverse talents and contributions.