Our Stories

Stories from new Americans supported by the New Americans Campaign and its partners

Featured Stories

Lucero Cervantes Kilgore: “It was so easy! I wanted to punch myself…I would like to go back to help others realize that the process is not so scary.”

My name is Lucero Cervantes Kilgore. Lucero, means light. I was born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. My mother worked in…

Read more about Lucero Cervantes Kilgore: “It was so easy! I wanted to punch myself…I would like to go back to help others realize that the process is not so scary.”

Stories of New Americans

Allison Kim: “I wanted to vote, I wanted to have a voice. I began to think it’s time to become a citizen. That feeling kept growing, growing, growing.”

I was born in Seoul, South Korea. When I came to this country, I gave myself a new name: Allison…

Read more about Allison Kim: “I wanted to vote, I wanted to have a voice. I began to think it’s time to become a citizen. That feeling kept growing, growing, growing.”

Stories of New Americans

Liliana Posada with her brother, José Posada Muñoz: “There is help out there, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”

My name is Liliana Posada and my brother is José Posada Muñoz. We were born in Colombia, South America. We…

Read more about Liliana Posada with her brother, José Posada Muñoz: “There is help out there, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”

Stories of New Americans

Rev. Grace Mae Goodridge: I want to encourage other people who are having problems on this journey, to let them know to stick it out. You’ll get there!

My name is Grace Mae Goodridge. I was born into a Christian family on the very beautiful island of Jamaica. …

Read more about Rev. Grace Mae Goodridge: I want to encourage other people who are having problems on this journey, to let them know to stick it out. You’ll get there!

Stories of New Americans

Yolanda Nicolas Gil: “The security of citizenship is not only for one person; it’s also for the family.”

Yolanda and her family. (Photo courtesy of Yolanda Nicolas Gil) My name is Yolanda Nicolas Gill. I was born in…

Read more about Yolanda Nicolas Gil: “The security of citizenship is not only for one person; it’s also for the family.”

Stories of New Americans

Abwe Abedi: “I can help the country as a citizen.”

My name is Abwe Abedi and I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo.…

Read more about Abwe Abedi: “I can help the country as a citizen.”

Stories of New Americans

Elsa Barletta: “Don’t delay the process!”

Like many young people, Elsa Barletta, 42, first came to the U.S. to further her education, arriving in Columbus, Ohio,…

Read more about Elsa Barletta: “Don’t delay the process!”

Stories of New Americans

Karen Jimenez: “I’m so excited to vote! Honestly, it’s a privilege to be able to vote.”

I was 12 when I came to the United States by myself. My name is…

Read more about Karen Jimenez: “I’m so excited to vote! Honestly, it’s a privilege to be able to vote.”

Stories of New Americans

Edith Mkhitarians: “You cannot imagine the feeling when you become a citizen of a free country.”

My name is Edith Mkhitarians, I was born in Tehran, Iran. Even though my birth…

Read more about Edith Mkhitarians: “You cannot imagine the feeling when you become a citizen of a free country.”

Stories of New Americans

Our Stories

Featured Stories

Lucero Cervantes Kilgore: “It was so easy! I wanted to punch myself…I would like to go back to help others realize that the process is not so scary.”

Allison Kim: “I wanted to vote, I wanted to have a voice. I began to think it’s time to become a citizen. That feeling kept growing, growing, growing.”

Liliana Posada with her brother, José Posada Muñoz: “There is help out there, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”

Rev. Grace Mae Goodridge: I want to encourage other people who are having problems on this journey, to let them know to stick it out. You’ll get there!

Yolanda Nicolas Gil: “The security of citizenship is not only for one person; it’s also for the family.”

Abwe Abedi: “I can help the country as a citizen.”

Elsa Barletta: “Don’t delay the process!”

Karen Jimenez: “I’m so excited to vote! Honestly, it’s a privilege to be able to vote.”

Edith Mkhitarians: “You cannot imagine the feeling when you become a citizen of a free country.”

Naturalization Workshops

2025 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive – Maricela Rodiles

2025 CUNY Spring Citizenship Drive – Leroy Thom