A New Life in America |
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Ewa Kopec
Over 7000 New Americans reflect the firm goals of The International Institute of Connecticut every year. The following story is one example of their work in easing the transition to a new life in America as told by Ewa Kopec:
Dreams? Many. Nevertheless, my biggest dream was to reunify my family and to build our life together in the United States.
I am Ewa Kopec. My husband, my son, and my little daughter, wish to tell United Way "Thank you so much", because through the International Institute of Connecticut, we achieved one of our biggest dreams of our lives: to become United States citizens.
We are Polish parents of two amazing kids: Klaudiusz and Olivia, eleven and three years old respectively, and I would like to share with you, my wonderful experience of transition to become the American citizen.
We were high school sweethearts. He moved to the United States from Poland in 1993. During one return visit to Poland in 1996, we got married, and our wish was to build our home in the United States. The American embassy denied many times my petition of a visitor visa. Then, our alternative, to be together, was to receive my permanent residence (green card) in the United States through my husband, but from Poland. Therefore, he came back to the United States without me; well, without us, because in that time I already was pregnant of our first baby. We remained in Poland without daddy for four years. It was a harsh period.
The reunification of my family in the United States was in 2000. Receiving our green card’s ID two weeks later!
Although my husband and I knew that, the most difficult part of the process was finished, we decided to find an expert in the area of Immigration, with professionalism, integrity, honesty, and empathy with our situation. With an excellent reference of the International Institute of Connecticut, we contacted to Mrs. Oliver. With her enormous experience, she supported us in the preparation of immigration’s forms for the citizenship process. All the time she clarified our doubts and explained the terminology of our cases. After being permanent resident for 13 years and myself, 6. Today both my husband and I are American citizens!
Mrs. Oliver assisted and advised my family too. My mother, a woman of sixty-three years old became a permanent resident of the United States after three months from applying for her. I also applied for my son, who is now a U.S. Citizen, to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship through the help of the International Institute of Connecticut.
My main challenge was to speak English. Without this tool, it is difficult to survive with dignity. The International Institute of Connecticut has awareness of the importance of having effective communication with the American society in its own language. I assisted the ESL, English as Second Language, program. I am proud of my improvement. I am more confident to interact with my community; it is terrific for my family. I am very happy.
I learned in this marvelous country, which is our home, that there is people willingness to help you. That the strength is the best allied to go forward, and to try until to achieve your own dreams. It was not an easy process; however, it is worth the effort.
