NEW YORK (FluxDaily) — After fleeing civil war in Sierra Leone and spending years in a refugee camp, Dauda Sesay never imagined that he could one day become a U.S. citizen. But under the impression that following the rules would lead to a bond with his new homeland, he decided to apply for citizenship. This bond, he believed, would ensure his rights as well as responsibilities, such as the privilege of voting.
When I raised my hand and took the oath of allegiance, I did believe that moment the promise that I belonged, said Sesay, who has been living in the U.S. for over 15 years, advocating for refugee integration.
Yet recent political shifts, particularly under the Trump administration, have severely shaken that confidence for Sesay and many other naturalized citizens. Fear of increased deportations and changes to who can be considered a citizen now render the solid ground of citizenship feel like quicksand.
Compounding their anxiety, naturalized citizens are wary of traveling outside the U.S. or even within the country due to reports of individuals being wrongly detained by border agents. Other citizens report feeling the need to carry passports domestically to shield their identities, despite holding secure identification cards.
As immigration enforcement increasingly targets individuals, naturalized citizens find themselves caught in the web. Reports of American citizens facing harassment under the banner of immigration sweeps send ripples of distrust through communities. Justice Department memos suggesting a ramp-up in denaturalization processes for immigrants accused of crimes add to the tension.
Community leaders, like New Mexico state Senator Cindy Nava, express dismay at witnessing fear among those who once felt secure in their status as citizens. Historical perspectives spotlight how the definition of citizenship has frequently shifted throughout American history, reflecting the complexities of who is entitled to belong to this nation.
The present climate leaves many like Sesay feeling betrayed by the very country they pledged their allegiance to. 'I took my oath in faith that the U.S.A. would always be a place of protection,' he lamented, revealing the deep emotional connection entwined with the concept of citizenship in the American landscape.
