Interview with Nelson Araujo, History 150 Spring 2024, Conducted by Julia Varverud, March 22, 2024.
Overview to Social Change Interview:
On December 14th, 2014, Nelson and Lucia Araujo, moved to Norfolk, Virginia from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. It is rare for people in their 70s to leave the life they’ve known for years and move to a different place and start anew. Being closer to their three daughters and seven grandchildren was a highly motivating factor for making the big move up North.
The immigration and naturalization process does not become easier with age. In my grandparents’ case, family-based immigration was the best route for them to take in order to move here. That form of immigration is discussed in further detail in the research. Nelson is very open to discussing his life in Brazil and the reason for moving to the United States. He also opens up about his life here in the United States and goes on to tell how he is enjoying his time here. Both he and his wife received their citizenship in 2023 and he recounts what that process was like, as well as how his life has changed now that he is an American citizen. The interview with took place on March 22, 2024 while he was at his home in Norfolk, Virginia. The themes of immigration and the naturalization process are heavily discussed in the interview, as well as how he felt going through the tedious process it takes to reside here legally. He emphasizes how the naturalization process is fair and that following the rules in order to reside here is very important. He is grateful to the United States and the opportunities that have been given to his three successful daughters.
Biography:
I interviewed my grandfather, Nelson Araujo. Nelson was born in Diamantina, Brazil on August 31st, 1943 and lived there for the majority of his life as a dentist and professor in Belo Horizonte. He and my grandmother, Lucia Araujo, raised three daughters. At the age of 32 my grandfather began to play tennis and later encouraged his daughters to partake in the sport, which would eventually change the trajectory of their lives. All three of their daughters moved to Norfolk, Virginia to play division 1 tennis at Old Dominion University. Their daughters, Luciana, Raquel, and Patricia, decided to settle down in Norfolk after graduating and raise families. Both my grandfather and grandmother were frequent visitors of the United States and often spent the majority of summers in Norfolk to spend time and help take care of their seven grandchildren. On December 14, 2014 he and my grandmother made the big decision to leave Brazil and move to Norfolk, Virginia in order to be near their daughters and seven grandchildren. With an intermediate level of English proficiency under their belt, my grandfather and grandmother both received their United States citizenship in 2023. Throughout the interview immigration is a highly discussed topic and the steps it takes to become a citizen are talked about in depth. Their story is inspiring because they left their life in Brazil and moved to an entirely new country at the age of 71 and went through all the very challenging steps it takes to become an American.
Research:
Family-based immigration: The process for coming to the United States is much easier if you qualify for immigrant status based on your relationship to a current US citizen or legal resident. According to the US Department of State, to be eligible to apply for an Immigration visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by an immediate relative who is at least 21 years of age and is either a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (that is, a green-card holder). Having immediate connections with someone who already resides in the United States highly increases your chances of being selected and allows for you to have a strong connection with a sponsor which is needed to obtain citizenship.
The US Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs website contains information regarding passports, visas, international travel, inter-country adoption, international parental child abduction, and information about replacing or certifying documents.
For family members who are US citizens and want to help their family members with the immigration process, US citizens or legal residents can file an immigrant visa petition. The visa petition can be for their spouse, son or daughter, parent, brother or sister. In my grandparents immigration case, my mom or any one of my aunts could file this petition for their parents (my grandparents) giving them the opportunity to obtain the proper documents to move. Family based immigration is the ideal situation for many and the easiest way to move here legally.
Naturalization process: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department website outlined the several steps it takes to become a US citizen. The process may seem meticulous and daunting for many potential immigrants. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services there are 10 steps that go into the naturalization process. Steps 1 and 2 determine whether you are already a citizen and if you are eligible to receive citizenship. Steps 2 and 3 regard the N-400 application form. Step 5 is to go to a biometrics appointment, next step 6 is to complete an interview. Once you have completed these 6 steps, step 7 is receiving the decision on whether you were granted citizenship. Step 8 and 9 are the steps to taking the oath of allegiance. Step 10 is all about understanding what it means and the rights and responsibilities one has as an American citizen. This information comes from the United States government and is credible.
The naturalization process is long and the process can take either months or years. Prior to receiving citizenship, a green card is required. With the large process that is required, for many becoming a citizen isn’t possible because of extra resources and time that is needed. Many complain about the extremely difficult process. All the steps make the process slow and un-necessarily hard. Regardless of your age every immigrant has to go through the long journey. Immigration is a highly discussed topic in politics and who knows what the process will look like depending on the administration at the time.
Key findings about U.S. immigrants : The United States has more immigrants than any other country in the world. According to the Pew Research Center, “the population of immigrants is also very diverse, with just about every country in the world represented among U.S. immigrants”. The demographic of immigrants has changed and skewed over time. As of 2018, immigrants ages 5 and older, half are proficient in English. Immigrants from Mexico have the lowest rates of English proficiency of 34%, followed by those from Central America with 35% proficiency, East and Southeast Asia with 50%, and South America with 56%.
Although my grandfather is sufficient in English, my grandmother has a more difficult time speaking. Finding a Brazilian community in the United States is crucial for them and would allow them to use their native language and feel more at home. With almost half of South American immigrants who do not speak proficiently that can give my grandmother comfort knowing she is not alone.
According to the website’s “about” section the Pew Research Center is a place that “generate[s] a foundation of facts that enriches the public dialogue and supports sound decision-making. We are nonprofit, nonpartisan and non advocacy.”
The Pew Research Center also highlights that the majority of immigrants are here legally, which is surprising because of how much illegal immigration is talked about int he news. One would assume that the majority of immigrants are illegal. As evident from my parents and grandparents, they have all had a role in being successful in the United States and only prove that immigration can enrich our country.
Bibliography:
Interview with Nelson Araujo, History 150 Spring 2024, Conducted by Julia Varverud, March 22, 2024.
Family based immigration: “Family Immigration.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration.html. Accessed 9 Apr. 2024.
Naturalization process: “10 Steps to Naturalization.” USCIS, 31 Aug. 2023, www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/10-steps-to-naturalization.
Key findings about U.S. immigrants: Budiman, Abby. “Key Findings about U.S. Immigrants.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 20 Aug. 2020, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/08/20/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrants/.
Transcription:
Julia Varverud (JV) 00:01
All right, we’re recording. Hi. Oh, wait. Hi, everyone. So today I’m going to be interviewing my grandfather, as he talks about his journey from coming from Brazil, to the United States. And yeah, so we’re gonna get started. All right. Can you introduce yourself by stating your name, your birthday, where you’re from, and the occupation you had before you retired?
Nelson Araujo (NA) 00:37
Okay. My name is Nelson Luiz Araujo. I was born in Brazil, in a little city called Diamantina, in a small town in the interior of (miniaturize) a small city, but with a great future value. The city of the diamonds. There was a lot of diamonds mines in the city in the past, not now. Well, my, my date of birth is August 31, 1945. Very old. Okay, I’m a dental surgeon, and I was a professor for 30 years at the Federal University of dentistry in Brazil. That’s it?
JV 01:36
Yes. That’s impressive. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t know you were, I forgot your professors. So that’s very cool. So tennis. Tennis is a big part of our family. And tennis was kind of what brought, I guess, you guys here in a way because of your daughters. But can you describe your background of playing tennis? And maybe talk about any other sports you played as well? Growing up?
NA 02:09
Yes. I started to play tennis when I was 32 years old. At that time, your mother was eight months old. I used to play football as a professional in minor leagues. When I had to decide to pursue a career in the big team, which offered me a contract. I decided to become a dentist. Because my father helped me with a lot in this process. I mean, he said to me, “my son, if you want to be a soccer player, try on your own, but if you want to be a dentist, I can help you.” And then I think I took the easier way. He helped me a lot. That’s it.
JV 03:10
I would do that too. I mean, you gotta pick some time. So that’s cool, though. Um, all right. So would you say that tennis is a popular sport in Brazil? How? So you played soccer your whole life but you know, how did it come about that? You were gonna put your daughters in tennis or that you would play?
NA 03:35
didn’t says very popular sport in Brazil. It’s not the most but, soccer is the most popular sport in Brazil. But there are more than 1 million people playing tennis in Brazil. More than 1 million and 100,000 people play tennis. And there’s a lot of good players in this year. Gustavo Curtin was our best player, which he was your mom’s friend. The Yes, he was very good friends. They play together. And yeah, yeah, in juniors tournaments. They used to travel a lot. That’s very popular in Brazil.
JV 04:35
Um, so when Darryl Cummings, the coach of ODU [Old Dominion University] came and recruited your daughters, um, how did you feel when they decided to make the decision to come here and study and play tennis in the US?
NA 04:57
When when our eldest daughter was invited to play tennis at an American University, and later the other two, I felt that all our efforts and sacrifice were rewarded. All the logistical, financial, social and emotional support were fulfilled. And when I talk about these forts, I put the fourth and work of these three girls first, they conquered their space. And as parents, we are just fulfilling our obligation with use to educate first. You know, competitive and high performance standards plays a major role in the training and development of young people. Because I think they did a very, very, very good work. The three girls are fantastic. I mean, amazing, was really good. Nice thing, a very nice thing.
JV 06:05
That’s cool. I wouldn’t be alive if they didn’t come here. But yeah, but I know, it probably was a little scary at first, having your daughters go so far away? Was there any unease? I guess, or? I mean, naturally, you probably were.
NA 06:27
But we used to travel with them. The United States we come before they come, we come here by maybe three or four or five times. And I could feel the, how the people here was. I knew Daryl Cummings, the coach, so he’s a very nice person. And like, we used to, we used to talk, it’s all about education. It was our, our flag. Always I have all the times I used to meet him. And we talk about this, education is the thing. Yeah. And it’s our, our role in his life. Like parents, it’s educate our sons. And that’s it.
JV 07:22
Good job. Do you remember what year you left Brazil? Left Brazil to come move here.
NA 07:37
We come here in 2014, December 14, 2014.
JV 07:47
Why did you make the decision to leave Brazil?
NA 07:54
Well, it was almost like a natural process. Everyone living together in the same city. And it wasn’t difficult to make this decision. After my retirement decide that I want to be close to my daughters, my son in laws and my grandchildren.
JV 08:16
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. And you came a lot in the summers too, every summer. I remember. I would be spending it with Vovo and Vovo. They would either stay at my house for a few weeks and then go to my aunt’s house. But it was always like summers, but we never really saw you throughout the year, that much. Just in the summers. And now it’s great, because we see you all the time. All right. So this question is a little tricky, but what was the process like for getting all of your legal documents and coming to the US? I mean, was it difficult or easy? Or, you know, what was it like for you?
NA 09:12
Well, the process to obtain citizenship was quite long. Firstly, you need to obtain a green card. After five years, you can apply to obtain citizenship. At the end of the process, you have an interview to demonstrate basic knowledge of the language and American History and Culture. It’s very it’s very complicated, actually. But it’s very fair. Okay. It’s very fair. There are rules. And when you has, you have the law together with you. It’s okay. Don’t break the law remember, yeah, that’s it.
JV 10:02
That’s what he always tells me.
NA 10:10
The process is really very long and very complicated, but like I said, this is very fair, the rules are very specific to you. If you upsets, it’s okay, thats alright.
JV 10:23
No, that’s very good to know. Because I know it’s a long process. And I feel like there’s a lot of problems that can arise from immigration, just it’s such a heavy topic nowadays in politics and everything. But it’s interesting that you say that, you know, you think it’s fair coming from someone who has immigrated.
NA 10:49
But you need to understand that there’s a legal process, and there are illegal persons, illegal immigrants, illegal immigrants. You know, it’s complicated for the country. Yeah. When you are legal and when you attend all the, the requirements? You are okay, no problem. Like I said, it’s very fair. No problem.
JV 10:51
That was a good answer. Um, okay. So, basically, you answered three questions in one. So you think immigration process is this fair, but it’s a long process. Okay, so you had a lot of resources, I guess, here in America, because all your daughters lived here, your son in laws live here. So they were able to help you and maybe even made the process a little bit faster. But if someone who doesn’t? Do you still think it’s fair, if you know, because that’s when I think it gets a little complicated. I don’t know if that makes sense. Let me know if you want me to repeat.
NA 12:12
Can you repeat it? Did you ask?
JV 12:15
Oh, wait, maybe not. Hold on. Okay. So if someone is trying to immigrate to the United States, but they don’t have a lot of family here or no one? Do you still think the process is fair? Or easy still>
NA 12:32
It’s fair because there are rules for these people. But it’s very complicated. It’s more difficult. Can you imagine you don’t have anyone? You need a sponsor too. Another way that you can? You can marry, this is one way. But I mean, it’s a legal process. If you don’t have a sponsor here, family here, it is very complicated. Yeah, it’s not easy. Yeah. If you want to, if you’re a millionaire, you can buy that. Yeah. And you can employ people here. It’s very difficult. For me, was very easy. Very. My daughter’s, you know, yeah.
JV 13:22
Yeah. They all had to go through the process too.
NA 13:30
They did the same thing. I did. They did because they were working here. For me was different. Maybe easier than them.
JV 13:44
Yeah, yes. They had to get have they had their visas. They’re working visa. So then they were able to get the green card. And yeah, it took a long time, though. Because I remember when my parents got their citizenship, and that was like in 2014. Probably when you moved here honestly. So it’s very all current. What year did you get your citizenship?
NA 14:12
I got my citizenship last year. Yeah. 2023. .
JV 14:20
So you’re a newly, your American Vovo!
NA 14:23
I’m American now!
JV 14:27
So now that you, you have been living here for a while now? Um, do you think that people treat you differently because you’re Brazilian, you know, like, I know, people in America are welcoming for the most part of people of other cultures. But, you know, do you notice any differences when you like, speak to someone because they hear your accent?
NA 14:56
No, no, I never had any difficult with that. I have always been treated with respect. I often say that tennis is a factor of friends. You know when you play tennis, you whenever you go you make another friend. And I know a lot of friends of mine that play tennis with me are immigrants too. From Thailand, from Australia. And a lot I know a lot of Americans. I play, I’m a member of the club, Norfolk Yacht Country Club. And they never talk differently with me. On the contrary. They used to ask about Brazil. Some say, “oh I’d love to go to Brazil”, things like that. But I never felt like discrimination. You know? Nothing, zero.
JV 15:58
Good, that’s really nice to hear. I actually never asked you that.
NA 16:03
Yes, no. Depends on you too, you. You can need to understand what you are and I am here because I’m not intruder. You know, my daughters were invited to come here. But somehow the United States, stole my daughter’s from me.
JV 16:25
Yeah. So you just you deserve to be here because you’re America stole your daughters, but you got them back!
NA 16:34
Yeah, you pay taxes we’re like a citizen. Don’t break the law.
JV 16:40
Okay, so we’re almost done. But I have just a few more questions. So, um, I think what’s cool that I’ve noticed since you guys live here, and just because I have a Brazilian mom, but there’s kind of a Brazilian community in a way. Like, I go and get my hair done by Sol who’s from Brazil. Sometimes I get my eyebrows done from Sol to and she does my grandmother’s hair as well. But besides your family, do you think there is a Brazilian community here? Or do you think it could be better?
NA 17:27
No. I’m not quite sure about Norfolk. But there are more than 1 million Brazilians living in the United States. Mainly New York, Boston and Florida. I don’t know a lot of people here. Not a lot of Brazilian people here. But I mean, I don’t know him. I know your Sol. The girl who cuts your hair. I don’t have a lot of friends here because probably if they play tennis, probably you know them. But I don’t know a lot of Brazilian people here.
JV 18:09
That makes sense. I feel like honestly, I’ve only, I’ve only met a few. But I mean, it’s cool, though, when you do meet someone who’s Brazilian. Fun fact. Actually, I don’t know if I told you this. But I met a girl here who’s Brazilian and her last name is Araujo.
NA 18:25
Oh, yeah, yeah.
JV 18:28
And so when I found that out, I was like, what? That’s my middle name. I was like, “that’s my grandparents last name. And my mom’s maiden name.” I was like, “No way”. I thought it was so cool because I’ve never met someone like with that last name in America, but I guess is it popular in Brazil, Araujo?
NA 18:49
A little bit. Not the most common name, but like we’ve said it’s a common name, so it’s very. A lot of Araujo’s there.
JV 19:02
I know. I’m curious because there’s so many names here like Smith or Jones. Like, those are so common. So that’s cool. How it’s different in every country. All right. Um, I’m trying to think of any last minute questions. You did a great job answering.
NA 19:21
Oh thank you, but you know, you’re a great interviewer.
JV 19:33
Do you have any final thoughts you want to add into the interview? Or have you said everything?
NA 19:38
I think it’s everything there’s nothing more to say if you have any questions. I’m here. You ask If i am happy here?
JV 19:52
Oh, yes are you happy here? Yes. Are you happy here?
NA 19:56
Very happy.
JV 19:59
Good. I’m gonna stop, but don’t hang up okay.
Interview technology and process: This interview was held over zoom while I recorded it on March 22, 2024. I was located in Harrisonburg, VA, while my interviewee was located in Norfolk, VA at the time of the interview. The recorded audio file was converted to an mp3 file and saved on to my computer. Otter.ai was used to transcribe the interview, and I went through and manually edited the transcript.