Meet OPA borrower, Donoy D!
For OPA borrower Donoy D., the journey to U.S. citizenship was more than just a legal process—it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, shaped by perseverance, education, and family.
In 2017, Donoy moved from Jamaica to Philadelphia with her brother, reuniting with her father, who had already established a life in the U.S. The opportunity to relocate marked the beginning of a new chapter-one driven by Donoy's long-standing belief that education unlocks independence. With a clear vision for her future, she set out to make the most of the opportunities available to her. She enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia, earning an associate degree in business. Motivated by a passion for finance, she continued her education at Temple University, where she is on track to graduate with a finance degree in December 2025.
From Dream to Reality: A Path to Citizenship
After five years as a permanent resident, Donoy became eligible for U.S. citizenship in 2022. But the cost of naturalization could have delayed her dream. That's when she found One Percent for America (OPA)-an affordable way to finance her application without disrupting her education. She was able to apply for naturalization while still paying for school- allowing her to move forward with confidence.
"The process was smooth thanks to the One Percent for America loan," Donoy shared. "I applied for citizenship in April, had my interview in December, and by the end of the year, I was sworn in as a U.S. citizen."
Empowering Her Family
Becoming a citizen wasn't just a personal win-it allowed Donoy to uplift her family. She encouraged her brother and sister-in-law to start their own naturalization journeys and even petitioned for her mother to join them in Philadelphia.
“Thanks to OPA, I achieved my citizenship and was able to bring my mother to the U.S. Making that dream a reality means everything.”
Today, Donoy’s story stands as a testament to perseverance, the power of education, and the role of community support in achieving the American Dream. By removing financial barriers to citizenship, OPA empowers immigrants like her to build a brighter future—for themselves and their families.