99-year-old Indian woman gets US citizenship, sparks debate on the American dream

PTC News Desk: In a remarkable turn of events, a 99-year-old Indian woman named Daibai has been granted US citizenship, stirring conversations about immigration and visa backlogs.

Born in India in 1925, Daibai currently resides with her daughter in Orlando, Florida. Her journey to naturalisation serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the United States as a beacon of hope for those seeking a better life.

The news of Daibai's citizenship was shared by the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and garnered attention on social media platforms like Twitter. The official USCIS account tweeted about Daibai's excitement as she took the Oath of Allegiance, accompanied by an image capturing the momentous occasion. In the photo, Daibai proudly holds her naturalisation certificate, flanked by her daughter and a USCIS officer facilitating the swearing-in process.

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

Daibai's story sheds light on a unique provision offered by USCIS for green card holders aged 65 or older who have resided in the US as permanent residents for at least 20 years. These individuals are eligible to take a simplified version of the history and government (civics) exam, known as the "65/20 exception," easing the naturalisation process for elderly applicants.

While Daibai's achievement is celebrated as a testament to resilience and determination, it also reignites debates surrounding the American Dream and the challenges immigrants face in navigating the complex legal pathways to citizenship. Her story serves as a reminder of the diverse journeys that contribute to the fabric of American society and underscores the importance of inclusivity and opportunity for all.

What is naturalisation?

Naturalisation is the legal process through which individuals attain United States citizenship. The Certificate of Naturalisation and Certificate of Citizenship are official documents that confirm an individual's status as a US citizen.The Certificate of Naturalisation is awarded to individuals who have completed the naturalisation process, indicating their successful transition to citizenship.

Conversely, the Certificate of Citizenship is issued to individuals who were either born as US citizens or acquired citizenship through other means.

Netizens question accessibility of the American dream

Daibai's extraordinary journey to US citizenship has sparked discussions among netizens regarding the accessibility of the American dream. Some have raised concerns about whether this dream is truly attainable for everyone. With Daibai achieving citizenship at such an advanced age, questions have been raised about the value of citizenship, both for society and the individual.

Many individuals, particularly those stuck in the employment-based green card backlog, expressed frustration. One user lamented, "Most Indians in the green card backlog will be in a similar situation by the time they receive their green cards." Another sarcastically commented, "Rumor has it that Daibai was in the Indian green card backlog, renewing her H-1B visa every three years and can now finally retire."

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In recent times, obtaining an H1B visa has become increasingly challenging, with wait times exceeding 100 years. Professionals such as engineers, scientists, and journalists face minimum wait times of 500 days for visa approval. Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of anger and disappointment from students and professionals alike. Many have shared posts expressing frustration, such as "H1B visa is a painful death" and "This immigration journey is full of obstacles."

Addressing these visa challenges, Varun Singh, MD of XIPHIAS Immigration, emphasised the importance of increasing awareness about the benefits of adjusting status. This includes the ability to reside with family members and work in the US, providing hope for skilled Indian professionals aiming to pursue opportunities in the United States.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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