UT2(SCW) Francisco Figueroe works at NSF Indian Head's Public Works .
The path to U.S. citizenship has often been the focus of current events, so much so that it might be the most contentious issue in the on-going presidential primary debates presently taking place across the country.
For a Seabee serving at the Naval Support Facility Indian Head that path was a self-described ‘‘hard” one and it even included a route that meant defending this nation in Iraq.
‘‘I first applied more than three years ago and ran into a lot of walls,” explained UT2(SCW) Francisco Figueroe. ‘‘It was hard...lots paperwork and other things were required. Finally, I got to take the test and it wasn’t too hard, mostly things about American history were asked. You were also required to speak and write English.”
Figueroe’s family came to America from Oaxaca, Mexico, when he was a toddler and settled in Hoboken, N.J. After graduation from Hoboken High School, Figueroe was working in New York City’s financial district when on Sept. 11, 2001 an event America now knows as the beginning of the war on global terrorism struck not a couple of blocks from his worksite.
‘‘I watched the whole thing,” he said. ‘‘I saw the twin towers come down.”
Angered by the sight, he wanted to do something for the country he was devoted to, although he did not enjoy its basic rights, such as voting. He joined the Navy.
‘‘I love New Jersey,” he said.
Since that time he has served two separate tours in Iraq, in dangerous Baghdad, as well as other sites.
‘‘I believe anyone who has served this country in the military should be eligible for citizenship,” he said. ‘‘They prove they are willing to fight for it.”
Figueroe’s family still go back to Mexico occasionally to visit their extended relations there. He described the village where he was born (Putla) as extremely small and rural.
‘‘It is in the far southern part of Mexico,” he said, ‘‘it is mountainous and poor with dirt roads, about an eight-hour bus trip from Mexico City.”
The 29-year-old Seabee has been at Indian Head for about a year. Besides his Navy duties with Public Works there, he is pursuing an on-line college degree based around what he’s gained through the Navy..”
‘‘I don’t know yet whether I’ll stay in the Navy or not yet. I am due to go up for first class next cycle and maybe (that will be a factor in my decision).”
Figueroe is the second of his family to gain citizenship. His father (Eutiquio) also is a citizen.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story