How Becoming a Citizen Changed My Life: The Journey of Delmy Molina

By Jonathan Guevara | Our Voces

Delmy Molina’s life began in the small town of El Sauce in the State of La Unión, El Salvador, a place of both childhood joy and unimaginable hardship. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and ultimately, success — a journey that led her from war-torn streets to becoming a proud citizen of the United States.

I sat down with Delmy to hear her full story, and what follows is both a powerful reminder of the immigrant experience and a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and succeed.

Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you were born?

“My name is Delmy Molina. I was born in La Unión, El Salvador.”

Do you have any special memories from your home country that still stay with you?

“Yes, I have beautiful memories of playing softball with my classmates, and we used to travel to other places to play. I also remember going to support the local soccer team. Those were fun times.”

Can you describe what life was like growing up in your country? Would you consider it a simple life or more hardship?

“It was hardship. Every day, we would go to the river to carry water to the house. It wasn’t an easy life. And at that time, there was also the civil war happening.”

Did you witness the civil war directly where you lived?

“Yes. While I was in high school, I remember seeing dead bodies on the tennis court. That’s what we would see every day walking into school. It was the civil war that brought that violence.”

When did you come to the United States, and why?

“I came to the United States in 1980, because of the civil war. I knew I didn’t have a future there, and I was afraid to travel for school or college because of the violence.”

Did you come alone or with your family? What was that like for you?

“I came alone. I traveled through Mexico by car to get here. I was young, but I knew I needed to leave to survive.”

What were the hardest challenges you faced once you arrived in the United States?

“I don’t really recall many challenges, except for speaking English at restaurants. That was hard at first. But other than that, I didn’t have many problems. I’ve always been positive and motivated.”

Did you ever feel discriminated against here in the United States?

“A couple of times, yes. But it didn’t really bother me. I’m not the type of person to stay stuck on things like that. I just kept going. I’m hardworking and I always tried to stay positive.”

When did you first start thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen?

“Three months before reaching five years as a legal resident, I started thinking seriously about it.”

What was the process like for you? Was it difficult or confusing?

“No, because I prepared myself. From the moment I got here, I started learning English at Houston Community College. I also prepared ahead of time with study materials. So by the time I applied for citizenship five years later, I was ready.”

Did anyone help you through the process?

“I worked with an organization called Caritas to help with the paperwork, but I filled out most of the application myself.”

What was that moment like when you officially became a U.S. citizen?

“I went to the ceremony alone, but I was happy. The biggest thing for me was knowing that now I could finally go back to visit my family in El Salvador.”

Now that you’re a citizen, how has your life changed?

“Honestly, there wasn’t a big difference between having residency and becoming a citizen, except that I could sponsor my family. That was the real reason I wanted to become a U.S. citizen — to help my parents and siblings come here. And it worked. I was able to sponsor my parents and one of my siblings.”

Were there other benefits to becoming a citizen?

“Yes — I can vote now. That was very important to me.”

What does being an American citizen mean to you personally?

“It feels wonderful. I love this country. It’s a beautiful country, and it’s where my four children and five grandchildren were born. Being a citizen means I’m part of this community, this country.”

Looking back on your life, what are you most proud of?

“I’m proud of being a business owner. I bought my house and paid it off in less than 15 years with hard work and the help of my children. I was able to build a good life here. I also went to college for business administration, and I became a real estate agent.”

What are your dreams now for your future and for your family’s future?

“Now I’m semi-retired, just working in real estate. My dreams are to see my children settled in their professions and to see my grandchildren grow up healthy and to become good citizens. I just want to enjoy them and be there for them.”

What advice would you give to others who are thinking about becoming U.S. citizens but feel scared or lost?

“Do it. Don’t be afraid. You don’t lose anything by trying, only gain. The process is still mostly the same, but yes, now it’s more expensive than it used to be.”

If you could go back in time and speak to yourself on the first day you arrived in the U.S., what would you tell yourself?

“I would tell myself not to stop going to college. Education is very important. I wish I had pursued it more when I first got here.”

Final Thoughts

Before we ended our conversation, Delmy left me with one final message she hopes others will hear:

“Don’t be afraid of this country. This is an awesome country. Stay out of trouble, work hard, and you will be successful.”

Delmy Molina’s story reminds us that behind every new citizen is a lifetime of struggle, hope, and achievement. Through war, migration, hard work, and family, she embodies what it truly means to build a life — not just for yourself, but for generations to come.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MAY NEED HELP BECOMING A CITIZEN CHECK OUT THESE LINKS:

http://becomeacitizentoday.com/

https://houston.naturalizenow.org/resources/

https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare

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Photos: Courtesy of Delmy Molina & Family
Written by: Jonathan Guevara, Our Voces News