MAFB Airman achieves citizenship dream

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cassandra Jones
  • 5 BW/ Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  After years of living the life of an average American, a Minot Airman officially became one recently.

Airman 1st Class Maria Gonzales-Soto, an information manager for the 5th Mission Support Group, became a U.S. citizen in a swearing-in ceremony in Grand Forks. N.D., April 25.

"I have been here for such a long time, I honestly felt like an American citizen already," said Airman Gonzales-Soto. "However, it's a great accomplishment and I'm proud it's official and now I can re-enlist and vote."

Airman Gonzales-Soto moved to the United States eight years ago just in time to start high school. She began pursuing her residency card in hopes of eventually getting her citizenship. Getting her residency was not cheap or easy. It cost her $5,000 in lawyer fees, immigration fees, finger-printing, pictures, background checks, interviews and time away from her family. Also, in the years it took to get her residency, she was not allowed to leave the country and was therefore unable to visit her family in Colombia. However, it was a price she was willing to pay.

Once attaining residency status, Airman Gonzales-Soto became eligible to join the military and decided to do so.

"There were many reasons for me to join the Air Force," she said. "I have always been very thankful to this country for giving me the opportunities I did not have in Colombia," she said. "What better way to show my thanks than by serving this country."

After she enlisted in 2005, Airman Gonzales-Soto was informed by her leadership she could not only apply for citizenship, but it would be 100 percent paid for and she would be granted the time to pursue it. So once again she began interviews, having pictures taken, being finger-printed and having background checks conducted. But this time it was for her citizenship.

"I had a lot of great support from the military personnel flight, my leadership, my family and my friends during this process," said Airman Gonzales-Soto.


"It was a very important day in my life and it was unfortunate that my mom could not be here, but it was still a wonderful experience," she said. "I will always remember where I came from but I am very thankful for where I am today."