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Sonia works as an operator at a filter manufacturer. Today, during our difficult COVID-19 situation, she is performing work of national importance by making masks for first responders and the medical field.
Sonia arrived alone in New York from El Salvador fifteen years ago fleeing domestic violence. After two months, her three children joined her. They soon relocated to Houston and the family found an apartment. Within a week, she found a job as a cook at Burger King, working the 4PM to 2AM shift. Seeing the need to keep a roof over their heads and her children fed, she took on another job cleaning offices from 7AM to 2PM. She worked this schedule dutifully for 6 years—all with her children’s future in mind. On breaks, she would sometimes crawl under an office desk to catch a quick nap at her cleaning job. Holding down two jobs did not give her much time to sleep!
Through her valiant efforts, she was able to save enough for a down payment on a house in April 2007 - a goal she had set for herself and her family. And in 2012, she found better employment with a filter manufacturer. By setting an example of hard work and determination, her children followed suit. One daughter is a medical billing coder and the other is a dental assistant. Her son is married with two children.
In 2019, Sonia enrolled in MAM’s ESL and citizenship classes so she could complete her American dream: to become a United States citizen. While practicing for her interview, she was asked one of the required questions: “Why do you want to become an American citizen?” Sonia responded with a huge smile, “because I love this country.”
Now, she also truly understands another interview question: “If the law requires it, are you willing to perform work of national importance under civilian direction?” Yes, she is willing to help!
Sonia is waiting for her citizenship interview appointment once USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) resumes operation. Given Sonia’s determination and dedication, we are confident she will pass her naturalization interview and fulfill her American dream.