The Path To Citizenship: Quad City Style

There's an event Saturday in Davenport that will give everyone who attends an idea of what it's like to aspire to U.S. citizenship.  And how many turn that dream into one day signing their name to an oath that I sometimes take for granted. Just being an American.

QC AIR (Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees) annually honors those immigrants and refugees in the Quad Cities who have become American citizens. QC AIR describes the event's importance to immigrants and refugees, “The QC AIR Annual U.S. Citizenship Honors Dinner is an important awareness event for all immigrants and refugees in the QC community. In one event, we are able to feature impactful immigrant speakers, share culturally diverse food and bring awareness to the issues immigrants and refugees face as they build a life here in the Quad Cities."

I think it might be even more meaningful for those of us who haven't had to make a separate journey to citizenship. I have a romantic notion of how my ancestors must have come to America, leaving their culture behind, betting on themselves and this new world to provide a better life for future generations. But I would bet hearing the stories of recent citizens might put these old stories into a new perspective.

I'm a sucker for an underdog. I think we all can be. And Saturday, at The Center on Brady Street, there will be some great stories, great food and a reminder that we're all not so different.

Immigrant speakers will tell their inspirational stories, and food will be available. It's a free event, but they would love an R.S.V.P so they know you're coming.