In America, No Dream is Impossible

By Mari Rockler

Garbed in everything from a cocktail dress and spike heels to jeans and an American Eagle t-shirt, and from a burka to a business suit, nearly 1,000 people and hundreds of guests began lining up three hours before a momentous event began at the downtown San Diego Courthouse this week.

Babies in strollers. Babes in blue jeans. Grandpas in wheelchairs.

Tattoos. Dreadlocks. Flip flops. And the ubiquitous cellphones.

The happy cacophony of dozens of languages. A hawker selling certificate folders for ten bucks a pop. A gathering that appeared to represent every culture and continent of the world.

In other words, America.

On August 24, 2011, 974 people from 96 countries became citizens of the United States. The atmosphere was by turns solemn – as a judge articulated the responsibilities of citizenship – and wildly festive – as onlookers cheered while their newly minted citizens proudly stood and waved their miniature American flag when their country of origin was announced. In this room on this day, everyone, even those from countries of longstanding mutual enmity, seemed neighborly.

The immigrants’ stories were as unique as each individual. Some had recently come to America seeking relief from oppression. Some were brought here as young children by their parents and now, as parents themselves, were determined to achieve their dream of naturalization. An octogenarian bravely ventured to California from China to be with her son and his family.

Carlsbad’s Lorraine Arnold Goes Scot-Free

Carlsbad resident and new U.S. citizen Lorraine Arnold has her own story. The mother of two girls, ages 16 and 20, was born and raised in Scotland, moved here as a young woman, got married and currently is at a crossroads in her life.

“Having my citizenship will make it easier to go back and forth to visit my mother, who is ailing and lives in Scotland,” she says. “And now, I’m a ‘true’ American, just like my daughters!”

U.S. Stands for US

President Obama’s taped TV message welcomed the newest Americans, saying, “This is now your country. In America, no dream is impossible.”

Shortly thereafter, the ceremony concluded. Amid hugs, tears, cheers, photos, videos, laughter and a few more tears, everyone walked out into the sunshiny world of a multicultural society that daily becomes more interesting, exciting, innovative and much richer, thanks to the influx of people such as the 974 who entered the courthouse individually as citizens of another country and exited together as Americans.