The White House At Your Service: A True Story.

By Erica

This is a story I heard from my cousin about the swearing in of a new citizen which had been delayed to “some time” in 2021. it made me smile, it gave me hope.

Watching the inauguration on TV, and following President Biden's uplifting words on immigrants and refugees, she was inspired to act. After all, what did she have to lose after waiting far too long in limbo-land for a date to become an American citizen. Two days later, she called the "Office of the President" on the main White House number and was startled someone picked up at the first ring to ask, "How can I help you?” She said she would like to be sworn in, then to be able to visit her family overseas. She said she was a U.S. college grad who needed a security clearance for her computer work. And she explained that, for months, she had asked for—but had been refused—a date.

Whoever was handling the call on the White House end apparently took notes, and then patched her into Immigration Services, as a call from "the White House." Immigration took over and worked it out, telling her that she would be given a swearing in date in the next few months. Which was great news.

A few weeks later, "the White House" called back (on the White House mainline number) and asked if all had been worked out. She was shocked to get the call and replied "Yes, thank you," and explained Immigration had told her the swearing in would be held "in the next few months," and to stand by. The caller {presumably from the President's office) said that wouldn't do and that they would handle it. The next day, she got an official email from Immigration scheduling the long-delayed swearing, giving her a specific date and time. Two weeks later.

Government can work. When it wants to. There really is hope.