FSPA completes naturalization process and secures U.S. citizenship

Surrounded by 950 people who, as she did, sought to secure U.S. citizenship, Sister Corrina Thomas received her naturalization certificate on April 1, 2009.

“FSPA is family, and I feel that now I am fully integrated in every sense of the word,” says the native of Mumbai—one of the world’s most populated cities—located on the west coast of India. “Since I’m in a community that is ‘all American,’ so to speak, my citizenship feels like coming full circle, making it complete,” she explains.

Sister Corrina first came to the United States in 1991 as a member of the Daughters of St. Paul to obtain her masters degree in communications at Boston University. She then returned to India to continue her ministry there. In 2001 she came back to the U.S., obtained an R-1 religious worker visa and transferred to FSPA. She secured a green card in 2004 which provides lawful permanent residency but limits voting privileges.

Sister Corrina’s mission work has included a role in the FSPA Communications Office from 2001 to 2002, as well as a job as a program director of the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, Ill. In the spring of 2009, she completed a study program in Cosmology Culture and Spirituality at Holy Names University in Oakland, Calif., and the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. She is scheduled to begin fulfilling her second year in Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University in New York this fall.

The naturalization process began for Sister Corrina when she filed an application in late November 2008. “It progressed really quickly,” she says. Procedures included biometrics and an interview conducted in March during which Sister Corrina was asked questions about American civics, history and geography. “I did well,” she says. “About 10 days later I received a letter informing me of the April 1st ceremony.”

The event took place in Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, “a fabulous, historic place,” says Sister Corrina. The 951 people sworn in came from 29 different countries; the largest group emigrated from China, and India presented the fifth largest party. A video on the history of immigration and distinguished immigrants as well as the presentation of information regarding the rights and duties of citizenship, passport procedures and information about voter registration was broadcast in three different languages—English, Spanish and Chinese.

In alphabetical order from Australia to Zimbabwe, immigrants from each country were asked to rise in recognition and remain on their feet until all 951 participants were standing, and then they gave their pledge of allegiance to the American flag. “There was much joy all around,” recalls Sister Corrina. “One person from France started yelling in excitement.”

She admits that for herself, the day was nostalgic. “I did have to do some discernment in regard to should I or should I not do this.” She explains that by obtaining an “Overseas Citizenship of India” she can return at any time for as long as she likes without a visa—factors that made her decision easier. “In the end, the ease of the process was for me a sign of something meant to be. I’m really happy, and really grateful to God and to the community for supporting me.”