Dr. Xiaowen Zhang: Citizenship means something special to us

On Oct. 18, 2019, 163 immigrants living in the Quad Cities became U.S. citizens during a ceremony held in Centennial Hall at Augustana College.  Dr. Xiaowen Zhang, associate professor of political science at Augustana, spoke to the new citizens. She completed her naturalization process earlier this year.

Good morning, everyone. I’m greatly honored to be here today and witness such an important life moment of 160 fellow immigrants, now my fellow Americans. Congratulations to everyone for reaching this milestone!

My name is Xiaowen Zhang and I’m an associate professor of political science here at Augustana College. One hundred and forty-eight days ago on May 3rd, I had my own naturalization ceremony in the courthouse of Des Moines, Iowa. I don’t know how long this process took for each of you, for me, since I arrived at the U.S. on August 7, 2001, as an international student, 18 years have passed.

I remember that on the day of my ceremony, while I was driving from Quad Cities to Des Moines, I told myself "Take it easy, it’s just another day!" Nevertheless, memories of the last 18 years kept popping up: The many times I waved goodbye to my parents at the airport and broke into tears, the exciting moment when I saw the Statue of Liberty in New York City, the pride I felt when I finally graduated from USC and found a great job here in Rock Island, Illinois, the happiness and gratitude that’s filled me when I finally had my own family here in the United States, so on and so forth.

Yes, the ceremony is short, but the journey we’ve had is long and winding, filled with both laughter and tears! Only we know how much it has taken us to get where we are today.

Like many of you, I was born and raised in a different culture and didn’t come to the U.S. until I was an adult, by which time I had already developed a strong sense of who I am, of which an important part is my national identity: Chinese. Unlike many of you, the moment I chose to become an American automatically ended my Chinese citizenship, because dual-citizenship is not allowed in China. Therefore, I understand that to some of you, today’s decision is not an easy one. Don’t get me wrong though, I can certainly see and feel the excitement that fills this place, but meanwhile, I understand the mixed feelings some of you may have as well.

So, why couldn’t I stay put with being a permanent resident? Why did I choose to become a U.S. citizen?

To be honest, it’s first for my family. Like many Chinese in my age group, I’m the only child in my family. My parents, who are in their late 60s and early 70s are now living by themselves in China. I know I’m their pride because of what I have accomplished here, far away from them, but I also feel regret that I couldn’t be there for them when they needed me. As they get older, I realized that I need to take up my responsibilities and there are no better way than giving them the opportunity to move close to me so that I can spend more time with them and look after them when needed.

On this point, I believe that I share the same concern with many of you. You’re here today because it’s good for you and your family. Even though many in this country argue that family-based immigration is a public burden, I disagree. If the country expects individual immigrant to contribute fully to the society, it needs to do it with allowing families of immigrants to unite because no one else can give us the courage and strength like family does. Our potentials can be fully realized only when we’re surrounded by loved ones.

That being said, I did find a new home here in America. In the last 18 years, I clearly felt that I have changed from a temporary visitor to a permanent member of this society. It started with the feeling of being accepted by the people I work with, and gradually, I just feel that I’ve grown to accept both the good and not-so-good things here in this country. When I began shortening my summer trip to China starting from several years ago, I know I’m ready to call America my new home! I hope that you’re feeling the same today in this auditorium. If so, I’m really happy for you!

So, now we’re all citizens of the United States. What does it mean to be a citizen, in particular a naturalized citizen? We’re not native-born citizens and we’re different because of that. Perhaps some people will see our differences as weaknesses, but I’d say that our differences are actually sources of strengths.

In order to be qualified for naturalization, my understanding is that we all have lived in this country for at least three or five years. During this period of time, I’m sure there are a certain moments that you, like me, felt being marginalized or excluded just because who you are. You might be a physician in your home country but now you work at a meat processing factory. You might have had a reputation of being very funny and were always surrounded by friends where you came from but now nobody understands your jokes and it’s hard to make new friends. You used to be the center of attention because what you have done, but now you are the center of attention because how you look. For many of us, stepping outside our comfort zone is a new normal rather than a New Year’s resolution.

Looking back, I hope that you, like me, can see how much you have grown through such experiences. Personally, I found myself more able and willing to think from other’s perspectives. I’m more appreciative of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences. And I’ve developed self-awareness to lessen the influence of personal biases when interacting with diverse groups. With these new skills, I’m more confident and competent to work and live with people who are different from me, something I often find lacking in my American native-born students.

In addition to the skills that empower us in an increasingly diverse society, we all have a global perspective that’s not learned in the classroom. Even though I’m no longer a Chinese citizen, I will never forget the people and the country that I left. I’m thankful for the strength my Chinese culture has given me; it will always be there. At work, I teach about the differences of the two countries’ worldviews and political systems, hoping my students can see the other’s perspective and learn from it. To my Chinese family and friends, I spread all the values that I learn and practice here when they show interests but I also respect who they are and understand where they come from. I had seen myself as a global citizen long before I became an American citizen. In a world people and nations become more and more connected and interdependent, such a global perspective is no doubt a big advantage we share.

Last but not the least, we know what it is like not to be American and what it takes to become a citizen. Citizenship means something extra special to us that is not always found in the native-born. At the minimum, I know that you have all passed the citizenship test which means that you may know more about the history and political system of this country than an average native-born American. Trust me, with my experience of teaching college students here at Augustana, many first-year students may fail the test you just passed! So, to some extent, we’re more ready to participate in US politics and make our voices heard.

Finally, please allow me to end with something I didn’t get a chance to say at my own naturalization ceremony: Thanks to everyone who has helped me to reach this wonderful milestone. I am particularly grateful to the values and many other things in this country that made it possible for me to be where I am now. I’m prepared to give back and looking forward to practicing important gifts of democracy, such as voting as a citizen!

Thanks again and all the best with the new chapter of your life!