NEW YORK (AP) — When he first arrived in the United States after escaping civil war in Sierra Leone and spending nearly a decade in a refugee camp, Dauda Sesay was unaware of the potential to become a citizen. Learning that he could apply after fulfilling certain conditions inspired him to do so. The commitment of becoming a U.S. citizen symbolized not just rights, but also responsibilities, like the ability to vote. For Sesay, taking the oath of allegiance was a moment of profound belonging.
Yet, recent months have cast doubt on that sense of security for Sesay and many other naturalized citizens as President Trump alters immigration policy and the framework of citizenship. There is a growing apprehension that increased deportations and attempts to terminate birthright citizenship are undermining the very foundation of naturalization.
People like Sesay now feel uncertain about their safety, with stories of naturalized citizens being questioned or detained by federal agents sparking fears about traveling or even moving within the country. Legal memos from the Justice Department hint at intensified efforts to denaturalize individuals viewed as threats, leading to rising anxiety among those who once felt secure.
The historical context of U.S. citizenship reveals that the meaning and ownership of citizenship have often shifted significantly. Stephen Kantrowitz, a history professor, emphasizes that the original Constitution did not define citizenship clearly, and throughout U.S. history, there have been periods of exclusion and inclusion.
As Sesay continues his advocacy work for refugees and their integration, the dilemma of belonging weighs heavily on his heart. While he committed to the U.S. — the country he believed in when he took his oath — the current climate has left him feeling betrayed. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding citizenship and the evolving relationship that immigrants maintain with their new nation.
Yet, recent months have cast doubt on that sense of security for Sesay and many other naturalized citizens as President Trump alters immigration policy and the framework of citizenship. There is a growing apprehension that increased deportations and attempts to terminate birthright citizenship are undermining the very foundation of naturalization.
People like Sesay now feel uncertain about their safety, with stories of naturalized citizens being questioned or detained by federal agents sparking fears about traveling or even moving within the country. Legal memos from the Justice Department hint at intensified efforts to denaturalize individuals viewed as threats, leading to rising anxiety among those who once felt secure.
The historical context of U.S. citizenship reveals that the meaning and ownership of citizenship have often shifted significantly. Stephen Kantrowitz, a history professor, emphasizes that the original Constitution did not define citizenship clearly, and throughout U.S. history, there have been periods of exclusion and inclusion.
As Sesay continues his advocacy work for refugees and their integration, the dilemma of belonging weighs heavily on his heart. While he committed to the U.S. — the country he believed in when he took his oath — the current climate has left him feeling betrayed. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding citizenship and the evolving relationship that immigrants maintain with their new nation.
