NEW YORK (AP) — Dauda Sesay arrived in the United States after fleeing civil war in Sierra Leone and living nearly a decade in a refugee camp, unaware that he could eventually become a U.S. citizen. His dream was realized when he learned that following the rules could lead to naturalization, promising him protection within his new home.
Following an oath of allegiance, Sesay felt a genuine connection to America, believing citizenship would bind him to his new country with rights and responsibilities. But as immigration policies shift under President Donald Trump, this feeling has been challenged. Many naturalized citizens like Sesay find themselves wondering about their safety and status amid increasing deportation efforts and threats to citizenship rights.
With the environment growing increasingly hostile towards immigrants, concerns about travel and identity verification have emerged. Some citizens fear being questioned or detained by border agents when re-entering the country or moving around domestically. Instances of naturalized citizens being wrongfully detained have left many unsettled.
Moreover, a recent Justice Department memo signaled a ramp-up in efforts to denaturalize immigrants with criminal records, further intensifying fears. The situation has been distressing for communities previously confident in their status, as they now question what citizenship means in today's America. The history of citizenship in the U.S. illustrates the changing definitions and who qualifies for such a designation, adding layers to the current narrative.
Dauda Sesay expressed feelings of betrayal in witnessing the current political landscape as someone who chose to adopt this country as his own. This ongoing uncertainty serves as a reminder of the complex and often tumultuous journey that defines the immigrant experience in the United States.
