“Joanne is a wonderful colleague and talented photographer, who now gets to add American to her long list of terrific accomplishments,” said Greg Lorfing, CEO & President of Gittings Global. “We were particularly tickled to learn that Joanne paid the processing fee for her citizenship application with prize money she won during an employee photo challenge held at our latest Global Photographer’s Conference.”
A true believer in the saying “America is the land of opportunity,” Joanne has deeply appreciated the freedom of expression that most Americans simply accept as normal. However, her inability to truly participate in shaping the country she loved became increasingly more uncomfortable.
“I have always been involved in community service and politics, but I could never vote,” said Joanne. “I became an American to make my voice heard and make a real difference in the country I call home.”
In April 2022, Joanne completed the civics test required for naturalization and passed the interview with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) department. The interviewing officer then asked her to return later that afternoon for the final step – the Oath of Allegiance. Joanne raced home to collect her children who looked on as their mother officially joined them as an American citizen.
Joanne currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband Peter and three children, Ava, Harry, and Cole (not pictured). She spent her first Independence Day as an American citizen with a low-key family celebration that included swimming, grilling, and watching fireworks.
To view the 10 Steps to Naturalization outlined by the USCIS, please click here. To learn more about Joanne and her support for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, please click here.