Kalisa’s Citizenship Story

I was 15 years old when my family moved to America in January 1987. Having spent my whole life in Jamaica, I clearly remember the new coldness, the snow, the storms—all of it contributed to the shock of living in a new place.

Between witnessing the political climate and having my own family, I realized that becoming a citizen was the only way to have more stability and protection. The risk that at any time my papers could be taken away was too much.

Becoming a citizen helped me continue the life I have worked so hard to build. I went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in both painting and art education, then I fulfilled a master’s degree in fine arts. In Jamaica, my family lived next door to a painter, and it was then that my spark for art began. Now, I work as an Arts educator for Cambridge Public Schools. With some of my students, I often think “I was just like you, finding it hard to fit in, living in a new place.” By telling my story, I can relate more to my students.

Project Citizenship made this process so much less overwhelming, because there were people there to make sure I was prepared. When I attended the Brockton Workshop in 2024, it was much easier to intake everything. The people there were kind, gracious, and proactive—it wasn’t even that long of a wait!

Being an American citizen has changed a lot about my life. I now have a say in what happens in my state, but also my government. I have more security and reassurance that my voice will be heard. Being a citizen has also shifted my vision for me and my family’s future for the better. We have hopes to travel to New York to visit art museums and to visit Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City.

— Kalisa (Pseudonym), Jamaica
Attended Project Citizenship’s 2024 Brockton Workshop & Naturalized in July 2025
Interview Conducted in Summer 2026 by Annie Morrison Garcia