Despite the recession, the American Dream is still alive and well. At least that's what over a million immigrants seem to think each year, even after going through the rigorous process that precedes legal citizenship . Millions more around the globe can only dream they had the same freedoms we take for granted.
In the HBO documentary Citizen USA, filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi (Nancy's daughter) travels to all fifty states in order to gain some insight into this ongoing phenomenon. We're initially introduced to her Dutch-born husband, who didn't want to be a foreigner in his own family when their son was born. After passing the civics test, he takes an oath to prove his loyalty with hundreds of others. Claiming to be transformed afterwards, Pelosi decides to embark on a journey to see why so many people are willing to start over here.
Through short interviews with brand new citizens, viewers are reminded what patriotism is all about. Coincidentally, the film was released in the first week of July last year. This overt nationalism exists for good reason however, having more to do with relief than pride. There is more social mobility, cultural diversity, gender equality, and religious tolerance here than anywhere else.
Naturalized teenage girls from China spoke of their ability to surf the web freely. Men from Jordan were appreciative of the more "hands off" approach the police take here in comparison to what they're used to. A gentleman from Afghanistan enjoyed holding his girlfriend's hand in public without being scrutinized by onlookers. A Korean woman was thankful for the loans she received, and another woman from Thailand was impressed with the responsiveness of 911 emergency personnel. Others mentioned the importance of their newly found freedom of choice, and didn't quite understand what all the constant complaining is about.
In what is essentially a fluff piece, there are brief moments that make it worth watching. Former secretaries of state Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger discuss their meteoric rise through the political ranks, despite their emigration from Europe. Where else but America could this be possible?
And May God Continue To Bless It!
