Memphis welcomed Desiree Mata in 2016 after she spent two years in Orlando. Mata chose Memphis for its affordability, job opportunities, and the presence of her family, and most recently, she chose Memphis as the place to seal a significant milestone: becoming a U.S. citizen.

“It was a long time coming,” Mata said. “My family and I were very happy during the ceremony because we were able to obtain this dream together as a family.”

Mata, her husband, and her son are from Venezuela and completed the naturalization ceremony in September. Aside from her friends and family coming together to celebrate, her co-workers shared the love at Newcomer International Center, where she works as financial secretary. They also shared a heartfelt post on social media, featuring pictures of Desiree and her family, saying, “The U.S. is a better place” with her and her family here! When asked how it feels to be an official U.S. citizen, Mata said it feels “normal.”

“... However, I can now have my American passport and I’m able to travel!”

As she looks to the future, Mata hopes to instill the value of hard work in future generations.

"I want to teach them that it takes hard work to be successful in this or any other country.”