Jennifer Kriksciun
On this day the Misbah family begins their Citizenship
studies here at Hartford Public library. There are seven in the family: parents Syed
and Nailah and their five children, Saqlain, Nimrah, Mumiza, Syed Jr. and Moniza. They
shuffle in and wait patiently for class to begin. I walk over to welcome the
oldest son, Saqlain and the family. I’m excited they’ve come. I know today is a
special day for them as it marks another important step towards their
citizenship, an accomplishment for each of them individually but with greater
significance as a family.
The Misbahs have worked hard since arriving her from
Karachi, Pakistan in 2008. They were all formally educated in their native
country, and the children studied English so they all had a basic language
foundation when they arrived here however not enough to not need English classes
when they got here. The younger siblings enrolled in the public system and have
only a slight hint of an accent as they arrived here at a younger age. The
older siblings enrolled in more intensive ESL classes at Capital Community
College to study English.
The Misbahs hope for a better life here in America. Besides
the freedoms this country gives them, they want the right to vote. They are
excited to participate in the next election. And as much as they want to
contribute their ideas and their vote, they want to pay taxes and becoming
contributing members of the United States. They know that doing so will allow
them the opportunity for medical care, social security when they retire, and scholarships
for their education.
They want the opportunity for better education and employment.
Already all four children are enrolled in college, Saqlain’s younger siblings are
all full time students at Capital Community College and Saqlain has just graduated with a degree in industrial technology with a minor at business from Central Connecticut State
University. When I talk to him, he cannot contain his excitement for his new job working as an IT Engineer at the Travelers. They all have higher aspirations- aspirations that would be
difficult if not impossible to achieve in their native Pakistan. Syed, Sr. holds two degrees in mathematics in
Pakistan. After achieving citizenship, he hopes to become accredited to teach
mathematics here in the United States.
The young Misbah women are strong and determined. This much
is clear the moment they start talking. They are full of energy and enthusiasm.
I ask them how classes are going and they all respond in a simultaneous echo,
“incredible!” They are all excited to have learned so much about American
civics, and to be entering this new place in their lives. But they are sad to
be losing their citizenship to Pakistan, especially Nimrah, the eldest of the
three daughters. I ask their mother Nailah how she feels; she smiles in assignation,
acknowledging all the freedoms and opportunities available to she and her
family with American citizenship. I can tell she is excited and hopeful, and so
am I. I look forward to following them on their path towards citizenship. More
to come!
