Kennedy completes citizenship journey

On July 15, Darren Kennedy took the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen, a process that began with a temporary visa and an online connection.

Born in 1989, in Randalstown, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Belfast City, Kennedy lived there until he was 23, including five years of schooling as a chef at Trostan Avenue University in Ballymena.

"Then I met Cyle," Kennedy said of his meeting Cyle Hart online in February of 2011; the two would meet in person more than a year later - September of 2012 - when Kennedy travelled to Casper for a three-month vacation on a visa. "Cyle was in college at the time; we'd been talking about a year prior to that." After a three-month stay, Kennedy had to return home in December as his visitor visa was only for those too-few months.

As he neared the end of this stay, he was already looking ahead to the next trip over, this time on a work visa that took four months to get. Kennedy said, "They only really hand out visas to doctors, nurses, stuff like that. It took a lot of paperwork to get one, and then the hard part was actually finding a job."

He had come over with enough funds to see him through a year, but fortunately didn't have to dip into them too much as he was presented an opportunity.

It was actually Cyle's mother, Cathi, who found him a job at a Thermopolis restaurant. "I didn't start work until April 2013, with Jen [Fisher] and Stone's Throw." Though Hart was still in college at Casper, after his graduation he moved back home to Thermopolis and Kennedy got him a job at the restaurant. Kennedy would go on to become the head chef at One Eyed Buffalo when it opened in 2016.

It wasn't the only big news for Kennedy in 2013, as Hart's Christmas present came in the form of a wedding proposal. The occasion was even more special with the presence of Kennedy's mother Bernadette, brother David and his friend, Shane McEwen, who were visiting America for the first time. The couple was married in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 22, 2014.

Kennedy next applied for a conditional residence green card, which he received in 2016, though at that point they hired an immigration lawyer "because one mistake on immigration paperwork, it's sent back and you have to repay the fees."

Kennedy noted his paperwork in this whole process was about two to three inches tall, and his attorney was with him through it all.

And paperwork was just the start of the process. After it was submitted and approved, Kennedy was called for an hour-long interview with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, during which he was asked questions based on he and Hart's good faith of marriage. Kennedy was asked about Hart's history and vice versa, but they were also questioned about things like which side of the bed each of them sleeps on. While such things might seem trivial and the interview was intimidating, Kennedy understands they're necessary to help uncover those who have fake marriages to get citizenship.

Though certainly wanting to know straight away if his green card was approved, Kennedy wasn't told then and there; he found out it was through an online notification the next day. Until then he still only had his work visa, which wouldn't allow him to leave the United States, and some travel abroad was already in their schedule. "We had a vacation booked, to go back to Ireland to meet my family for a wedding celebration there because they couldn't make it here."

About eight months prior to the expiration date of his green card, Kennedy applied to have the conditional status removed.

"I didn't have to get an interview for that one," he said, though the conditional card was nearly expired when he received his new 10-year card in August of 2018. With every updated card, Kennedy also had to update his Social Security and get a new license

Though the 10-year card can be renewed, Kennedy strove forward to the next and final step - citizenship. The normal waiting period for any immigrant to gain citizenship is five years, but because he is married he only had three years. As he had already been a resident for two years on the conditional card, he submitted his request for citizenship in July of 2018 - prior to receiving his 10-year card - and his N400 for naturalization.

Additionally, he had to go in for two biometrics tests for fingerprinting and background information. "Also," he said, "an immigration doctor had to check my health and make sure I didn't bring anything into the country. Then I was called for my citizenship interview."

He had previously been given time to prepare for the interview, which included questions about the United States ranging from the country's history, wars, the first five presidents, Congress, political parties, and who steps in if the president and vice president are both unable to serve. Required to get at least 60 percent of the questions correct, he got 100.

Going through yet another interview, this was much less stressful than the previous, being just him and the immigration officer.

His paperwork was reviewed and he was questioned to make sure his answers remained the same from when the forms were first filled out. His application was approved for him to go forward and be naturalized, and on July 15 at the Supreme Court building in Cheyenne, Kennedy became a U.S. citizen.

The ceremony is very monumental and formal, Kennedy said, with four judges and the attorney general present. "It all took about an hour and a half. Our family and friends attended, and we had a message on TV from Donald Trump."

Including Kennedy, there were 19 people - representing 17 different countries including the UK, Turkey and the Philippines - becoming citizens.

"It's mostly to appreciate the work, the time and the dedication we have put into it," Kennedy said of the ceremony, and understanding "becoming a citizen is a choice."

In between the immigration fees and his lawyer, the process cost $20,000, but Kennedy said the money is well spent to do things the right way. It's been stressful for his employer as well, with the amounts of paperwork and changes in Social Security over the years.

Kennedy actually has dual citizenship now, as a citizen of both America and the UK, though he drops all allegiance to the latter. "I'm still a citizen there, but I can't fight for them. I would fight for America."

As for anything he misses from Ireland, Kennedy said he misses food and family, but he comes from a town similar in size and population to Thermopolis so this is something of a "home from home."

Those considering a trip to Ireland, he noted it is very touristy but very friendly. "I would say Ireland loves Americans. It's one of those places you could walk into any bar, any restaurant and pull up a chair to a table of people you don't know, and you'll know them within five minutes."

For those who are here on work visas and considering citizenship, Kennedy recommends following all the steps and the law.

"Pay your taxes, leave when you're supposed to and re-enter. I feel as if the process is really hard because it is [a time] when illegal immigrants do come to the country, and it makes it harder for people doing it the correct way.

"It's very stressful, but now that it's over and done with it's an honor and makes you feel like a ton brick has lifted off of you. There's a lot of people that choose not to become a citizen. I would suggest becoming a citizen because your heart's in the country and you should go the whole entire way."