Meet Madelin C.
Citizenship is about belonging, participation, and creating opportunities—not just for yourself, but for future generations.
Madelin Didn’t Just Dream of Belonging, She Worked for It
When Madelin C. was 5 years old, her parents made the difficult decision to leave Guatemala in search of opportunity and stability in the United States. Rhode Island became home—and from a young age, Madelin embraced everything about it, including how the country was run.
“In high school, I was the only student in my class who watched presidential addresses and State of the Union speeches,” she recalls. “I followed elections, policies, and debates closely. I cared deeply about what was happening—but I couldn’t fully participate.”
Because Madelin wasn’t yet a U.S. citizen.
That reality shaped many of her early experiences. Despite excelling academically, her immigration status limited her opportunities in ways that felt both confusing and unfair.
“I had earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois, but I couldn’t use it because of my status,” she says. “That was heartbreaking. I had done everything right—worked hard, followed every rule—but it still felt like I wasn’t allowed to move forward.”
Still, Madelin persevered.
She earned a biology degree from Rhode Island College, built a career, and started a family. But even as she created a life in the U.S., something remained out of reach: the ability to fully belong and have her voice heard through the democratic process she had admired for so long.
That’s what ultimately motivated her to begin her citizenship journey. But like many immigrants, cost stood in the way.
“My sister told me about One Percent for America,” Madelin says. “They offer financing for the citizenship process, and knowing that kind of support existed made everything feel more manageable.”
With the help of a loan from One Percent for America, Madelin was finally able to apply for U.S. citizenship.
“When I received my approval, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and relief,” she says. “It was like a door I had been standing in front of for so long had finally opened.”
After decades of waiting, Madelin officially became a U.S. citizen.
For her, the milestone was about more than a ceremony—it was about finally stepping into a role she had prepared for her whole life.
“For years, I cared about elections and public issues but could only watch from the sidelines,” she says. “After becoming a citizen, voting in my first presidential election felt incredible. And months later, standing in front of the Statue of Liberty—it was a true full-circle moment. I had admired the democratic process for so long, and in that moment, I was finally part of it.”
Today, Madelin encourages others to take that same step—no matter how far away it may feel.
“If you care about being heard and being involved in the future of this country, don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she says. “Citizenship is about belonging, participation, and creating opportunities—not just for yourself, but for future generations.”