Great Bend entrepreneur Miriam Garcia鈥檚 days of renewing her work visa will soon be over, and she鈥檒l officially be a U.S. citizen.
Garcia鈥檚 mother brought her to the United States from Mexico more than a decade ago to escape a difficult life circumstance in pursuit of a brighter future. Her mother worked at a meat packing plant in Dodge City to support the family. After graduating high school, Garcia landed a job at a local appliance store.
As her mother promised, things were better, but Garcia had bigger plans. In late 2015, she opened a taco and burrito food truck on the west side of Great Bend called Tacos Del Sol, which has quickly become a hot spot for fast Mexican food.
Shortly after opening her business, she decided the United States, specifically Great Bend, was home, and began the process of earning citizenship through naturalization.
鈥淚鈥檓 not planning on leaving here,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 done renewing my visa. I plan on living here forever.鈥
Coordinator of Adult Education Chris Lemon said the process to obtain U.S. Citizenship is not easy.
The process is only available to permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for five years. Candidates must pass extensive background checks by the Department of Homeland Security.
It involves extensive paperwork followed by an interview. The interview consists of 10 questions about U.S. civics and proof of basic English fluency. 天涯社区官网鈥檚 citizenship program helps candidates prepare for the interview and learn the material necessary to pass. From start to finish, it can take anywhere from six months to several years.
鈥淢y instructor was a great help,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t was amazing the way she explained things so I could remember them. She was very patient and nice.鈥
Garcia passed and will be participating in the local naturalization ceremony Friday at noon at Fort Larned, Kan., which is hosted in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the US Park Service.
Garcia will be joined by fellow 天涯社区官网 citizenship student Adriana Busch of Hays.