Luziana’s Citizenship Story

“In 1994, I moved from Brazil to the United States, not knowing that the next time I would be able to travel back would be 14 years later. I was 20 years old when I came here to visit a friend and I realized that I was ready to start a new life.  

So much of my life has changed and that’s why I needed the security of knowing it was permeant. I raised my kids on my own, and now I am able to see my son graduate from Boston University. I have worked many jobs, from cleaning houses to working at a Brazilian store. Yet, it has always been my dream to work at the airport, and I am proud to say that I now do. 

The first time I went back to Brazil, I felt like a different person. The loss of identity was hard—I was still Brazilian, but I didn’t feel like it. However, I know that becoming a U.S. citizen has opened a lot of doors for me. I have a lot more freedom to travel and to vote, so I know that becoming a citizen was worth it.  

The people at Project Citizenship were amazing. My friend at the airport where I work first told me about their services, and I was able to go to the Boston Citizenship Day workshop. There were so many people working and ready to help me. Even though it took me some time to prepare for my interview, they supported me and organized everything for my application. They were also able to provide the financial support I needed to submit it. 

Because Project Citizenship has done so much for me, I hope to give back. I want to look for volunteer opportunities at this organization to help others, because all of us who have experiences being an immigrant need to support each other too.”

–Luziana, Brazil

Attended Project Citizenship’s 2024 Boston Citizenship Day & Naturalized in January 2026

Interview Conducted in Summer 2026 by Annie Morrison Garcia