Belonging to America
Belonging to America
My grandfather always used to explain to me how lucky I was to be able to be an American. He would inform me on how valuable it was and how I should never take it for granted. He expressed that I should feel honored to be able to have all the opportunities I do. I never understood him growing up. I did not understand how growing up somewhere, like America, versus another country could be any different. I understand now. When I was younger, my mother would tell different stories about her childhood. She would go into saying, “Growing up grandpa was in the service. I always missed him and did not understand why he had to go fight people “for our freedom,” as he would say. I always felt free, I always felt like everyone in the world got along, I didn’t understand why he had to go out and fight, why he had to go out and risk his life.” She would inform me on how important it was, as an American, to contribute to our country and to do my part as a citizen. My grandfather served in the army. What could I do?
As I grew up I learned a lot more about how I could contribute to my country: paying taxes, voting and serving in jury duty. My grandmother voted and my grandfather served in the war. My parents vote, pay taxes and go to jury duty. As an American I take pride in the idea that I can help my country. I vote, pay taxes, serve in jury duty and say the pledge of allegiance with pride for my country. Even though I know some American citizens don't contribute to our country in this way, based on my beliefs I believe an American is someone who contributes all they can to our nation, embracing your rights and taking pride in your country.
In relation to what I believe the definition of an American is, the government legislation somewhat agrees but in addition has other requirements immigrants must portray in order to be an American citizen. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the current legislation regarding immigration laws
My grandfather always used to explain to me how lucky I was to be able to be an American. He would inform me on how valuable it was and how I should never take it for granted. He expressed that I should feel honored to be able to have all the opportunities I do. I never understood him growing up. I did not understand how growing up somewhere, like America, versus another country could be any different. I understand now. When I was younger, my mother would tell different stories about her childhood. She would go into saying, “Growing up grandpa was in the service. I always missed him and did not understand why he had to go fight people “for our freedom,” as he would say. I always felt free, I always felt like everyone in the world got along, I didn’t understand why he had to go out and fight, why he had to go out and risk his life.” She would inform me on how important it was, as an American, to contribute to our country and to do my part as a citizen. My grandfather served in the army. What could I do?
As I grew up I learned a lot more about how I could contribute to my country: paying taxes, voting and serving in jury duty. My grandmother voted and my grandfather served in the war. My parents vote, pay taxes and go to jury duty. As an American I take pride in the idea that I can help my country. I vote, pay taxes, serve in jury duty and say the pledge of allegiance with pride for my country. Even though I know some American citizens don't contribute to our country in this way, based on my beliefs I believe an American is someone who contributes all they can to our nation, embracing your rights and taking pride in your country.
In relation to what I believe the definition of an American is, the government legislation somewhat agrees but in addition has other requirements immigrants must portray in order to be an American citizen. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the current legislation regarding immigration laws