In 1999, Martin Ramirez found himself facing limited economic opportunities in his hometown in Mexico after being unable to finish his education. Encouraged by an uncle who had emigrated to the United States for more lucrative job opportunities, Ramirez decided to come, too. Initially, Ramirez wasn’t sure how long he would stay. A quarter-century and two children later, he’s still here.

After getting a residency permit in 2002, Ramirez settled down and started a family in New Jersey. Eventually, he was able to get a green card and even a visa for his parents to visit and for him to travel back to Mexico. He started and operated three restaurants, two Tex-Mex and one deli, which provided a good living for his family. Then the pandemic changed everything. The restaurants suffered and Ramirez needed a new source of income.

Today, Ramirez juggles a morning job as a forklift operator for a poultry company and an evening job in transportation for Marriott Hotels. “I want to rebuild my life, and set a good example for my children,” he says.

Prior to the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Ramirez was focused on obtaining his US citizenship. With two US-born children, he realized how much citizenship would facilitate travel and lead to better employment opportunities. “Lots of people — from airlines to employers — treat immigrants differently. I think I will be treated with more respect as a citizen,” Ramirez explains. Another incentive is civic. “I am eager for the chance to vote, to have my voice heard within my community,” he continues.

Further, Ramirez highlights security as a motivator for obtaining citizenship, a sentiment shared by many immigrants who have felt the threat of deportation even if they have a green card. “As America’s laws and political climate shift, being a citizen is more important than ever — especially with my children here.”

He also hopes to be able to travel back and forth between Mexico and the United States when he retires. Green card holders cannot remain outside of the US for more than 1 year, while citizens can travel freely. “I would like to return to Mexico for 6 months, then spend a year here and so forth,” he explains. “It would be nice to be able to be here or in my country, without risk that my residency will expire and they won’t let me back into the States.”