This past weekend, as the U.S. Military celebrated 250 years of service to the “Land of The Free,” the nation saw the largest single-day protest yet—#NoKings. While covering the event, one of the protesters asked a question that stayed with me “How could a country advertise Opportunity, Hope, and Freedom and not expect people to flood its boarders?” It’s easy to forget the foundation on which America was built in the midst of political debates on who can call America home. And many overlook the life-changing promise it still offers to all. So I set out to find someone who recently completed the journey from immigrant to citizen, to get an eye-witness view on the path today.
Full transparency: Lately, immigration and deportation headlines have been dominated by chaos, with unsettling reports of ICE detaining even documented immigrants and valid visiting visa holders. While most of the national attention has been centered on Hispanic and Latin immigrants, it’s important to remember that 39.2 million African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and other global immigrants are navigating similar struggles.
That reality made it a difficult task for me to find someone willing to publicly speak about their journey. But then I met Sulaiman “Solexy” Adegoke—a bold 23-year-old Nigerian-Born Rutgers University Graduate—who proudly became a U.S. Citizen this February and was eager to share his path to citizenship with me.
“I never planned to stay…Until I saw the Possibilities*
For many African immigrants, the U.S. represents more than just a holiday destination—it’s a gateway to Education, economic opportunities, and safety from political instability/conflicts. They can also reunite with family that are already here. As Family tends to be at the core of many African values.
Before we started our interview, Sulaiman or as he is affectionately called by close friends and family, Solexy, told me that his uncle (a long time citizen) was the one who sponsored his Parents for a green card, who then applied for him and his siblings.
Me: Solexy, take me thru the process of becoming a citizen from Nigeria to the US
Solexy: So I would always come to the states one a visiting visa to visit family since I was a child. Once I graduated secondary school, I came to visit my Uncle in New Jersey. I expressed to him my desire to attend University here. So he set out to help me change my visiting visa to a Student visa.
Changing a B1/B2 visitor visa to an F1 student visa in the U.S. typically takes 6 to 12 months for processing by USCIS. This timeframe can fluctuate depending on the volume of applications and individual circumstances. – USCIS*
Solexy: As my student visa was about to expire, my Uncle and Parents received an approval email with my green card from the application that was turned in over 15 years ago. I was so excited and I immediately applied for Rutgers University.
The then 19-year-old quickly learned the restrictions placed on green card holders. These limitations could pose real barriers for opportunities and stability. Many worry about common limitations like being unable to vote. Others are concerned about the inability to apply for certain jobs or face strict legal consequences for even minor infractions. Solexy’s concerns were centered on something far more urgent.
Solexy: It was kind of a struggle at first because I couldn’t apply for certain scholarships or certain loans for college because I wasn’t a citizen. For the loans you are able to apply for, your interest rate might be a little bit higher. Also, I love to travel, but as a green card holder, your travel is limited. But as a citizen you can travel as much as you want. So 3 1/2 years into college, I applied for my citizenship and I became a US citizen February 2025!
Me: What was the biggest challenge you faced on the path to becoming a US Citizen?
Solexy: I would have to say the waiting time. You have to wait between 3-5 years (depending on your situation) after getting your green card holder to apply to become a US Citizen. Then you have to wait months or even a year(s) to receive your reservation to take your test, depending on how backed up they (embassy) are. Then once you take your test, you have to wait again and it could take months or even a year(s) just to be sworn in. This is after waiting 10-15 years just to get your green card. So I’ll tell anyone who is in that process to start early as possible.
Me: So how long did it take you to get sworn in?
Solexy: So the entire process for me after applying for my citizenship was 4-5 months. I consider myself one of the lucky ones because I was sworn in the same day that I took my test.
Me: Was it hard?
Solexy: It was pretty easy because they give you a book to study. I took it serious so I studied. The oral test consist of 100 questions, but they only ask you 10 of the 100 and you have to get 6 out of 10 correct. For the written test, they just want to know you can write in English.
Individuals are 50 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least 20 years, or who are 55 years of age or older and have been an LPR for at least 15 years, are exempt from the English language portion of the U.S. naturalization test. Instead, you can opt to take the civics test in your native language instead.
Me: What was the first thing you did after becoming a citizen and what do you love the most about being a US citizen?
Solexy: Oh wow, the first thing I did was apply for my US Passport. I love to travel. After becoming a citizen, I can say I am now in a better economic position all the way around. When applying for Jobs the first question I am asked is “Are you a US Citizen”. When I could proudly say yes, that’s when I landed an amazing Job at my marketing firm. I never had the plans to live in the United States just to come visit, but once I went to university, I saw endless possibilities to put myself and my family in the best economic position possible. So many opportunities.
A Message to Fellow Immigrants: “Don’t Wait”
Me: What would say to those who green card holders who are thinking about getting their citizenship but haven’t taken the leap?
Solexy: Peace of mind. People don’t realize the risk of staying a green card holder forever. You have to constantly go renew the green card. And because of the restrictions, lets say that you spend too much time traveling or you get arrested for something minor, now that green card gets revoked and on top of other complications, you may have to start the 15 year process all over again. Take the leap and become a citizen so that all opportunities can be available to you.
As we continued to talk, Solexy told me the waiting time is the only thing about the path to citizenship that he would change. From Nigeria to the U.S., visiting visa to green card, and now proud U.S. Citizenship—Solexy’s journey took 21 years. But with family support, patience, determination, and faith, he is proof of what is possible when you take that final step. The road may be long and restricted, but the destination is worth it! If for nothing else, in the words of Solexy, for PEACE OF MIND!
So to the millions of legal citizens sitting on the fence: this is your sign. if you are eligible for citizenship, now is the time. There are programs here in Houston—like “Give Citizenship a Boost,” supported by the Houston Endowment and partners like Texas Southern University—that offer financial assistance to help cover the application cost. Don’t let fear or confusion hold you back. You’ve waited long enough.
In need of helpful resources? Visit: becomeacitizentoday.com, https://houston.naturalizenow.org/resources/, and https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/
*Info Sourced from: https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/change-my-nonimmigrant-status
All photos have been approved for usage and provided by Sulaiman Adegoke.
