Mami and Papi decided to become United States citizens primarily due to a small revolution that erupted in the Dominican Republic. This significant political upheaval in their homeland, occurring after they had already lived and worked in the U.S. for almost four years, prompted them to secure their new status in New York. The sisters, however, harbored strong feelings of discontent, longing to return to their island home.
The Catalyst for Citizenship: A Revolution Back Home
For Mami and Papi, the decision to formalize their residency and become naturalized citizens of the United States was not made lightly, but was spurred by external events beyond their control. Having established themselves and worked in the U.S. for close to four years, their hand was forced by the political instability that gripped the Dominican Republic.
- Political Instability: A "small revolution" back in their home country created an environment of uncertainty and danger, making a return to their previous life unfeasible and potentially perilous.
- Security and Stability: Becoming U.S. citizens offered Mami and Papi a sense of permanence, security, and stability that was lacking in their native land during this tumultuous period. This decision allowed them to build a new life with legal protections and opportunities in New York.
The Sisters' Perspective: A Desire for the Island
While Mami and Papi embraced their new citizenship as a necessity for security and a fresh start, their daughters viewed the move with considerable dissatisfaction. The sisters experienced a significant contrast between their former life on the island and their new reality in the United States.
Here's a breakdown of their sentiments:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conditions in the U.S. | The sisters complained frequently about the "less prosperous conditions" they found in the United States compared to their previous life in the Dominican Republic. This likely refers to a perceived decline in their family's social or economic standing, or a general feeling of hardship and adjustment in a new environment. |
| Longing for Home | Above all, the daughters expressed a profound yearning to "go home to the Island." This desire indicates a deep attachment to their cultural roots, familiar surroundings, and perhaps a more comfortable or idyllic childhood they associated with their life before immigration. |
This difference in perspective highlights the complex experience of immigration, where the pragmatic decisions of parents for safety and opportunity often clash with the emotional and nostalgic attachments of their children to their homeland. For more details on the narrative, you can explore summaries of How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents.
