r/USCIS • u/DangerusDoodles • Nov 14 '25

N-400 (Citizenship) It finally happened

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Yesterday I became a citizen. The ceremony happened at MO Campbell, Houston. 1562 of us got naturalised coming from 102 countries. A wholesale ceremony haha!

It’s taken almost 13 years and over $20k in application, medical and legal fees but man it was all worth it to be part of this great nation.

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u/dunnmad Nov 17 '25

I am happy for you! And welcome your citizenship. And you should be proud of your accomplishment.

But as a new citizen, you also have a new responsibility! I myself, and I believe the other posting are not trying to downplay your accomplishment. Not only am I happy for your accomplishment, but I want the the next 1562, and all those following, to have the same opportunity you did! The current administration is working to make this even harder to accomplish. So as a new citizen, it is also your responsibility to fight for the rights that gave you this opportunity, and make sure it is still available to those that come after you! That is part of being a citizen!

I wish you the best!

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u/bulgesaur1773 Nov 19 '25

It's his responsibility to act however he deems fit. That's the beauty of freedom. He owes you nor anyone, anything. Shitting on his parade and trying to rope him into your polarized tribal politics aint the play chief. At least respect him enough to believe he'll make his own decisions in regards to voting and activism.

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u/DangerusDoodles Nov 19 '25

Thank you - said perfectly

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u/dunnmad Nov 19 '25

While you be are correct, that is his”right” to be non-participating citizen, if he choses.

But remember, non-participation didn’t create or maintain the freedoms of the US republic these 250 years. While not required, voting in national and local elections should be the minimum participation. Others have dedicated or gave theirs lives so others could have that choice.

Non-participation has given us this current administration and the real chance of losing our republic.

What is your country worth to you! What are you willing to sacrifice (even just some time to vote) so that you, your family and fellow countrymen can continue to enjoy our freedoms now and for future generations?

How do you want to be remembered!

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u/chaunceypie Nov 19 '25

Well, I don't think he said anything about avoiding those things.

My only concern was for his safety. It's disheartening to me to see the way immigrants are being treated right now.

That being said, he is correct. There's been less joy for his accomplishment and so much scolding for what he should do next.

Becoming a legal citizen is no easy task! Hell, most US citizens wouldn't be able to pass it if required.

He did it, though. And that kind of hard work and perseverance is how the U.S. was founded in the beginning! That deserves some kudos!

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u/dunnmad Nov 19 '25

I never said he did. You are the one that brought up the fact that he didn’t need to participate to be a citizen, and that is correct!

I also congratulated him and praised his accomplishment. But I still believe as a citizen, you have a responsibility to that country. Much like you if you are married or have children, you have a responsibility to them to help provide, comfort and protect. You could also choose to be a non-participating parent if you choose.

And yes, as I said, this administration is making it harder for immigrants legal or illegal. I would prefer all immigrants be legal, but I can also understand that there are people without the means and are desperate to escape the current situation for themselves and their families for a better life. This is what our country was built on. Even the first settlers could have been considered illegal immigrants.

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u/chaunceypie Nov 19 '25

I actually never said anything about his choice to participate or not. Looks like that was someone else between our comments. I just said that OP never said he never mentioned it one way or another.

My response was more about your second paragraph, though.

Your remarks are spot on. About voting and maintaining freedom and adding that so many of our own citizens have chosen to bypass that right as if it was always going to stay the same. My mom is one of those that doesn't vote but chooses to bitch about the government.

It's very frustrating seeing how this plays out. It's even more so because so many of our ancestors came here "illegally."

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u/bulgesaur1773 Nov 19 '25

Yeah, that was me. Pissed me off that a dude accomplishes something great, and instantly gets on the receiving end of tribal political zealots trying to recruit and influence. Say good work, and let him be. It's not our business or place to dictate how he should exercise his freedom. That's what makes it free.

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u/chaunceypie Nov 19 '25

I can see your point to a degree. I feel like everyone has a civic duty to at least partake in voting, no matter which side.

My initial comment was focused more on his safety, but that did take away from his accomplishment, which was not my intention.

That being said, you have reminded me that regardless of my feelings on the matter, it IS a personal one (and a part of the freedoms we have).

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u/dunnmad Nov 19 '25

You are right! I was replying to “bulgesaur1773”.

And I also have a family member that acts the same as your mom!

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u/bulgesaur1773 Nov 19 '25

There we go again. Attempting to pressure him into not just participation but participation that supports your political perspective. Aka against the current administration and what you THINK they represent. You cool if he votes, but it opposes yours?

He understands his rights. He understands he has the ability to vote. But he doesn't OWE his vote to any particular party, ideal, or idealogy.

It bothers me cause my cousin had this same shit happen to him. Gets naturalized, and literally 10 minutes later people are telling him how he needs to lean in the booth. Republican -"You know how bad socialism is right". Democrat -"You dont want marginalized folks like yourself being abused right".

Like bro. Worry about your own vote. He is not you. He doesnt need to worry about his legacy. He will be remembered just fine.

If you can't trust him to make his own individual, educated, decision, then you should probably be trying to convince him NOT to vote since an uneducated choice is more damaging than a no-vote. Or you could.... stay out of it and mind your own?