Columbus and Us

In fourteen hundred ninety-two

Columbus sailed the ocean blue.

He discovered something new —

This land that’s home to me and you.

(Some believe this isn't true!)

But even if it’s not true, so what? Who can ever prove it, and why waste time trying? He explored; he found new lands; he got the credit; we’re here. It’s a little too late to squabble over who discovered America. And obviously, we weren’t the first…the American Indians were here. We were just the most determined to stay, and rule, by any means necessary.

I teach a volunteer American Citizenship class at the public library. It’s fun…and eye-opening. I started class in March, and out of 6 students, 3 have passed; 2 are scheduled for their interviews; 1 will apply this month, when she has been here the required 5 years. We had a young Hispanic man join us briefly, a senior in high school, who wants to become a police officer or join the military.

This boy speaks perfect English, knows American history, is personable and smart, and has been here since he was 9 years old. His parents brought him here from Mexico. He has grown up in America and has assimilated into the culture — except he can’t become a U.S. citizen. He’s an illegal immigrant.

Obviously, when we realized this, he didn’t stay in class. His only hope for citizenship — and for pursuing any kind of legal, good-paying job in what he considers his home country — is for a blanket amnesty for people like him. He sure as hell ain’t going back to Mexico. If employers won’t hire him because he’s an illegal alien, through no fault of his own, what will he do when he graduates? What kind of “drain” will he be on the economy then? Ah, the sins of the fathers…. His? Yours? Mine?

Two of my students were Hispanic, a man and a woman. They had already been preparing for the test and just wanted some reinforcement and, I think, confidence-building. They both easily passed the test and became citizens just months after starting class. My remaining students were highly motivated women: two from Thailand, one from Laos, and one from Russia.

By December, from just one small class, the U.S. will have gained 5 new citizens. Two of them plan to open their own businesses. All will continue to work, pay taxes, and now vote. Most of them came to class knowing more civics and history than many Americans I know, and I had to look up a few things, too, because I didn’t know the answer to their questions.

I’m proud of them and happy for the many. I’m very sad about the one.