I Have Arrived

I think that most people who know me, are aware that my mother's side of my family is Australian. My brothers were born in Australia, and both live in Brisbane. Even with those family ties, when Don originally told me that he wanted to move to Australia, I fought fiercely to remain in the States. I didn't want to come to Australia. I've always considered my home to be the US. I was born in the US, I was married in the US, and our children are American. I'm also a walking encyclopedia of useless American pop trivia - how could I not be American? But when we received a genuine scare a few weeks ago from Don's employer, I realized that it was time to take the final step, and file for Australian Citizenship by descent. We came here on a 457 Visa, which is a very quick way to come to Australia as a skilled employee. However, it is a temporary Visa, and if the position that the Visa holder comes over on becomes redundant, they are given 28 days to get out of the country. Pretty harsh, and a real gamble for those who choose that path. It's not just us. when I talked to Mitchell's headmaster and let him know what was going on (I needed him to sign my proof of identity) he told me that they had lost two 457 families in the last six months. Indeed, one of the boys was in Mitchell's class. Tough times. So, a few weeks ago I filed the paperwork for Australian Citizenship by Descent. On Tuesday I received a package from Immigration, with my certificate inside. I am now an Australian Citizen. It seems surreal. So much preparation, and yet, so anti-climatic. Next step is getting medical exams for Don and Mitchell so I can sponsor them for Family Visas. That way they are eligible for Medicare, and Don has the flexibility to work for any employer he likes. Oh, and I also have to register to Vote. It's mandatory for citizens to vote, which is just fine with me. In a few months we'll apply for Mitch's Citizenship, and he'll be an Aussie as well. At first it didn't really feel different. But as Anzac Day is approaching, it's starting to sink in a little. I feel a little more like I belong here, almost like an ownership of the country. Plus, I want our son to know his ancestry. And, really, what better way than to actually live in the place where is all began?