Finally, she’s a proud American

Estefany Marlen Gonzaga has lived most of her life in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant – and now she has something to celebrate.

She’ll be sworn in as an American citizen next Wednesday – months after receiving help from the New York Daily News/CUNY Citizenship NOW! program.

Gonzaga, who was born in Mexico, is now a permanent resident living in Queens with her two children.

She said she’s grateful for the helping hand which has steered thousands of immigrants through the citizenship process. “It’s really great that CUNY and the Daily News are taking a stand in providing these resources for our students and immigrants,” Gonzaga said. “It makes it more visible for everyone to take advantage. The more exposure the better.”

Gonzaga, 30, said most immigrants – including herself – don’t fill out their citizenship applications because they don’t have enough information about the process.

She decided to get in touch with Citizenship NOW! after hearing other people’s success stories.

“Overall I felt very supported,” Gonzaga said. “The lawyers and volunteers answered my questions. I knew exactly how the process was and how long it would take.”

Gonzaga came to the U.S. with her family when she was just 6 months old. She is currently mentoring students at LaGuardia Community College where she graduated in 2014.

Gonzaga said she is excited about becoming a citizen, and that it’s the first step toward achieving her goals.

“Even though I was raised here, I’ve always felt like an immigrant or a Mexican,” she said. “I’ve never said, ‘I’m an American. The fact that I’m able to proudly say that now feels amazing.”