From Steve Hudspeth, Wilton Interfaith Action Committee (“Wi-ACT”)
I’m writing specifically because Manal became a U.S. citizen yesterday (December 28)! The photo here shows Manal immediately following her swearing-in ceremony in Hartford with her daughter Bisan by her side. Manal is holding her naturalization certificate (with the U.S. flag covering the numbers that are confidential on her certificate).
Minor children at the time of their parent’s naturalization (such as Bisan and all but one of Manal’s four other children) automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship under the provisions of the Child Citizenship Act of 2001, following the filing of USCIS Form 600 on their behalf; that process usually takes about six months. Manal’s next steps for herself will be to register to vote and to secure a passport and new Social Security card.
Manal returned to Wilton in time for her shift on the Waveney Eldercare’s kitchen staff, where she was a temporary worker over the holidays. She returned to her work for the Wilton Schools as a food service provider when classes resumed after the holidays.
She (and we) extend an enormous debt of gratitude to the School Sisters of Notre Dame for providing her and her family with a home. These years have gone by so quickly. It would have been hugely difficult to do this resettlement work for a large young family led by a single widowed mother without the Sisters' support in this way. The fruits of your generosity are very evident in what those years have brought to this family.
Manal’s children have flourished in the Wilton schools. Daughter Bisan is in Norwalk’s Center for Global Studies Magnet School. Bisan is in her senior year and preparing to enter college next fall. Her eldest brother, Mohammad, is working as a store manager, bringing income to the family. He hopes to continue his formal education in due course. Bisan and Ahmad work parttime at T.J. Maxx, and Ahmad worked full-time over the summer for Rolling Hills Country Club on its groundskeeping crew. He has an invitation to return there next summer. Youngest brothers Yaqoub and Ghaith are outgoing and have many friends. They’re receiving outstanding education and care at Middlebrook (middle) School and Cider Mill (elementary) School, respectively.
With deep gratitude from Manal and her family and from all of us at WI-Act and best wishes for the New Year,
