The Process & Privilege Of American Citizenship
Caroline Atkinson’s second grade class has been learning about the United States government and what it means to be, as well as how to become, a U.S. citizen. Lucky for them, one of their classmates' dad’s, Michael Shuttleworth, has dual citizenship in both England and the United States! Shuttleworth came in to speak to the students and share his experience.
He began by explaining the process of receiving a visa and green card (as well as what each of those documents meant). He also shared his personal story of citizenship, and what that looked like as far as getting together the correct documents, taking a test, and being sworn in as a U.S. citizen.
“It was great getting to explain to the kids what an amazing privilege they have of being born in America,” explained Shuttleworth, ”and all the freedoms that includes.”
Naturally, our second graders' inquisitive minds led to many questions:
“Have you ever met the Queen of England?’
Answer: “I’ve not met the queen but I got to see her at the Highland Games, which was smaller than a Battery game. She was standing about 50 yards from me with a bunch of the royal family!”
“Which passport do you use?”
Answer: “English to get into England, American to get back into America. It really cuts down on the lines. Plus, I feel cool, and I get a ‘welcome home’ at both ends.”
It was a wonderful opportunity for students to hear first hand about the process that they had spent so much time reading and learning about!