Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK Bosnian Ana Anusic, center, gets a hug from her daughters, Dragica Amulic, right, and Gordana Kerac, after becoming a U.S. citizen at a naturalization ceremony held in February at the Oneida County Office Building in Utica.

Woman's quest for citizenship difficult but rewarding

Photo by ELIZABETH A. MUNDSCHENK Ana Anusic smiles at a naturalization ceremony held in February. Anusic became a U.S. citizen at the age of 67.

Becoming a United States citizen QUALIFICATIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP: Have the ability to understand, read, write, speak English Have knowledge of U.S. history and government Have good moral character Believe in the U.S. Constitution Be older than 18 years of age TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS, A PERSON: can apply up to 90 days before his or her 5-year anniversary date of arrival in the United States must fill out a citizenship application form and provide documentation must send in a $310 fee must have fingerprints taken must go undergo a personal interview must attend a naturalization ceremony. In Utica, that ceremony takes place at the Alexander Pirnie Federal Building. The entire process may take between five and nine months from the time the application is sent.

Months before taking the test to become an American citizen, Ana Anusic’s constant companion was a white binder stuffed with patriotic practice questions.

After cramming for several hours a day, her family would quiz her.

Neighbors would wave to the quiet, silver-haired grandmother as she studied American history and government at a picnic table in her South Utica yard.

Having come to America from Bosnia in her 60s with no knowledge of the English language, she was memorizing answers she needed to know to officially become an American. And she was doing it in English.

“Red, white, blue,” she would say quietly to herself.

“Fifty stars. Thirteen stripes.”

At 67, many people her age don’t even try to become new citizens. And frustratingly, the first time Anusic tried to take the citizenship test, she failed.

She watched last November as her daughter, Dragica Amulic, and her son-in-law, Zvonko Amulic, took the oath without her.

“She was disappointed because she studied hard,” Zvonko says. “After that she decide, ‘I think I can study for that test.’”

She did study. And last February, Anusic raised her right hand and became an American, swearing to bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America.

Anusic tells her daughter, in Bosnian, that she knew the answer to the first question, and after that she knew she’d be OK.

“She came out with a smile on her face,” Zvonko says. “That says it all.”

Becoming a citizen is a milestone for many. Taking the oath means they can travel with a U.S. passport, obtain government jobs that require citizenship, hold office and vote.

On one evening, Anusic and her family are enjoying some of the benefits of their new citizenship. Half-completed voter registration forms litter Dragica and Zvonko’s table. Anusic now receives a monthly Social Security check and Medicare coverage. And all of them feel more connected to their new land.

“I’m born in Bosnia. Nobody can take that away from me,” Zvonko says. “I have my place where I belong, but I’m American with all my heart when I’m in the United States. Now we feel we are part of one bigness. I’m proud of that.”

Ana sits quietly on the couch, listening, with her hands folded in her lap. She understands a lot of English but has a hard time speaking it. This, she knows: Becoming a citizen was a big deal.

It’s evident in her sparkling eyes and trademark grin that creeps at her mouth. What she can’t say in English, you can read on her face.

Happy, she says. She is happy.