Want to become a U.S. citizen? Miami has a new ‘citizenship ambassador’ to help you

More than 9.1 million lawful permanent residents are eligible to apply for naturalization in the United States. And all of them can benefit from the help of the first eight “citizenship ambassadors” designated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

This new initiative aims to help immigrants become U.S. citizens through these ambassadors’ own experiences. All of them are community leaders, and immigrants.

Myriam Mézadieu, director of operations for Catholic Legal Services of the Archdiocese of Miami, was named the first USCIS’ citizenship ambassador to South Florida.

“Some lawful permanent residents don’t have access to or knowledge of the naturalization process,” said Mézadieu, a Haitian-American immigrant with degrees in business law and international affairs. “We will assist with outreach to more isolated communities and advise on best engagement strategies and messaging, helping to build trust between USCIS and their communities.”

Becoming one of the first USCIS citizenship ambassadors “is a great honor,” she said. “I feel humbled because we have to explain that more than 200 years after our founding as a nation, naturalized citizens are still an important part of American democracy. Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. The United States is a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty and equality.”

An inspirational immigrant story

Like the other newly appointed ambassadors, Mézadieu helps and encourages immigrants to become citizens by sharing her personal story.

“I had no plans to become an American. September 11, 2001 changed all that. One thing I had in mind is to go back to Haiti after five years”, confesses Mézadieu.

In 1992, she joined the Catholic Legal Immigration Network in Miami and led the daily operation of Catholic Emergency Legal Aid for Haitians, a project started in 1991 to help Haitians with parole who were at the Guantánamo Naval Base after the coup in Haiti.

“I felt compelled to help newcomers and encouraged them to apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as they have become eligible, in three to five years,” she says.

In June 1994, Mézadieu co-founded G.W.L. Legal Project, later Catholic Charities Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami, Inc., one of the nation’s largest nonprofit immigration services, along with executive director Randy McGrorty, who asked and lectured Mézadieu on when she was going to become an American citizen after having lived in the US for a long time.

“It took me fourteen plus years to realize that the U.S. is my house, my home, and that I’m not going anywhere. I filed my application on September 11, 2001. That day was a huge blow to the US. I realized that I had already been living the American Dream. I was so moved that it was the only way to show my support for this unique country,” she said.

After completing her application, Mézadieu traveled to Nigeria one week later. Upon returning, a U.S. customs immigration officer, “welcomed me back to the country after looking at my residence card, standing up and saying, ‘welcome home.’ Tears welled up to my eyes and the officer asked what was wrong. I told him that after more than 14 years I had decided to apply for citizenship, and that I had made the decision on September 11 He made an announcement and there was applause at the airport,” she recounts with emotion.

Citizenship events scheduled in Miami and South Florida

As an ambassador, Mézadieu will continue to offer her help from the nonprofit agency Catholic Legal Services (CCLS).

“I encourage eligible people to apply for U.S. citizenship, spread the word about the many benefits of U.S. citizenship, and provide tools to become U.S. citizens,” she said.

During Constitution Week, Sept. 15-17, a large citizenship event is scheduled to take place in Miami, likely at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus. During the event, “eligible lawful permanent residents have the opportunity to apply for citizenship. Several attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, law interns, paralegals, and volunteers will be available to assist,” said Mézadieu, who will participate in radio programs to promote citizenship events.

There also are weekly outreach events to inform and help adults in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. And religious centers will offer education sessions every two weeks.

Advantages of the U.S. citizenship

One of her missions as ambassador, says Mézadieu, is to “emphasize the advantages of U.S. citizenship through her personal experience as an immigrant.” According to the ambassador, these are the most important:

▪ Right to vote: In most states, the right to vote in federal elections is restricted to U.S. citizens.

▪ Serve on a jury: Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury.

▪ Travel: A U.S. passport without a visa to enter many countries, and access to assistance from the U.S. government abroad if needed.

▪ Bringing family members to the U.S.: U.S. citizens generally have priority in these cases.

▪ Obtain citizenship for children under 18: If you have a child abroad and you are a U.S. citizen, your child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen.

▪ Apply for federal jobs: Certain jobs with government agencies require citizenship.

▪ Become an elected official: Only citizens can run for federal office, either the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, and also for most state and local offices.

▪ Maintain your residence: After being a citizen, no one can take away your residence in the U.S.

▪ Federal grants and scholarships: Available only to U.S. citizens.

▪ Government benefits: Some are available only to naturalized citizens.

Myths and misconceptions

Citizenship Ambassadors must also address myths and misconceptions. In Mézadieu’s experience, these are the most common:

▪ Fees: There are ways that can help reduce or eliminate costs, she explains.

You can use low-cost or no-cost resources at nonprofit agencies such as Catholic Legal Services, which help preparing applications, legal support and other needs.

You can request the exemption or reduction rate. Eighty percent of these requests are approved. Also, there is the option of using low-interest loans provided by nonprofit organizations.

▪ Number of times to apply for citizenship: There are no limits to the number of times you can apply for citizenship. Also, 9 out of 10 people are approved the first time.

▪ Language proficiency: Only a basic understanding of how to read, write and speak English is required.

▪ Marriage: Being married to a U.S. citizen does not automatically makes you a citizen.

▪ Permanent residents: Citizenship is different from permanent residency. Certain benefits are only for U.S. citizens. And after naturalization, immigrants on average earn 5% or more in wages.

▪ Dual Citizenship: U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another; it depends on your country of origin.

In 2021, 855,000 residents became U.S. citizens. And in fiscal year 2022, which ends Sept. 30, USCIS has welcomed 661,500 new U.S. citizens through June 15.