More than 20 years ago, we took our first steps toward a new life in the U.S. – from finding an immigration lawyer to receiving our Green Cards to settling into a new home. Today, we are proud to say that our journey has come full circle.

How it all started

We fell in love with Southern California when Marco did his MBA in San Diego in 1994/95. Year after year, we returned, spending as much time as possible in the U.S. until, in 2004, we took a leap of faith and began the long process to legal immigration.

July 2008 – After years of paperwork, patience, and preparation, we completed our final interview at the American Embassy in Berne. A few weeks later, our passports arrived with immigration visas – giving us just six months to make the move.

January 12, 2009 – With four suitcases, we landed in San Francisco, completed our immigration process, and took our first steps into a new life in the U.S.

February 2009 – Just weeks later, we held our Green Cards in our hands – a moment that made all the sacrifices and challenges worth it.

Fast forward to October 2024, we finally applied for U.S. citizenship. In March 2025, we both passed our naturalization interviews at the USCIS Phoenix Field Office. And now, our journey has come full circle—tomorrow, I will take my Oath of Allegiance and officially become an American citizen. Jackie will follow on April 11th.

Becoming American citizen is more than just a legal process – it’s a reflection of the life we’ve built here, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the opportunities ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey.