What is your name and what year did you come to America?
My name is Marcelline Ndonfack Enyeji and I came to America April 30, 2006 from Cameroon.
Can you say a little bit about yourself like your job, hobbies, etc?
I am a certified nurse practitioner with a specialty in psychiatry. I see patients with substance-use disorders, mainly those regarding opioids. I love cooking, my faith, reading and going to school! I’m planning on getting my doctorate soon.
What was life like in Cameroon?
There were struggles. I came from a big family, and my father died when I was very young. My mom became a widow with six children. So, it was not easy. Growing up I went from home to home to alleviate the burden from my mother. It was not always smooth sailing living in other’s house. Facing abuse, neglect and you name it. But I had to be strong because of the burden on my mother, and I had to make things better for her.
I went to university in Cameroon and was planning to be a lawyer. But my then-husband, your dad, moved to America a couple years before I finished my master’s in law and political science. I had to follow him here. So, in a way, moving to America was not my idea.
What year did he move to America?
He moved to America in June 2002.
What year did you marry my dad?
2002, just before he moved to America.
What was the beginning of your immigration journey like?
From the time he actually filed for me until the time I came here, it took a long time. I can’t say exactly when he finalized the filing process, but he got his status in 2002 so it took about two to three years for them to process my papers.
When I got here in 2006, I had a working permit working at Sam’s Club because he was actually a refugee. The only thing I had when I got here was a working permit. I needed to apply for a green card, but I had to wait for a certain amount of time before I could.
How long did the permit last?
I believe it was from 2006 to 2007. In 2007 I had to renew it, and I remember I was not actually eligible for renewal. But thankfully, Sam’s Club had my passport information rather than my work permit for some reason so I could actually keep up working. But I never actually ended up renewing it. I’m not really sure how it went.
So you kind of got lucky?
Yes definitely. It wasn’t me putting those. I thank God and the HR lady.
When did you apply for your green card?
I applied for the green card in 2007. Then, I had my beautiful daughter in 2007. All this stuff I’m talking about, all happened when I was pregnant with you.
How long did the application take to finalize?
I was lucky as it didn’t take too long. I got my green card in 2008 without your father knowing. This lawyer through a Catholic charity helped me with the process because [your father] wouldn’t give me the information I needed to apply.
When you and my father got divorced in 2009 did it affect your status or immigration process?
Yes, it did because I could not apply for citizenship until he got citizenship. Since he was delayed in applying, I could not apply because my status was still tied to him. I know he had some issues when he applied, so everything on my side also got delayed because they had to resolve his issues first.
When did you get your citizenship?
I didn’t get my citizenship until 2013. I applied way before that, taking about three years or so. It took a long time. But, even then, I know people who are still waiting 10 years after getting their green card.
How did you prepare for the citizenship test?
I had a book that I had to read so I could answer all those American questions!
Was I there? I honestly don’t remember it.
Yes, you were at the ceremony with your uncle.
Were you excited?
Of course I was! I was mainly excited because I thought I could bring my brother, until they told me it would take 10 years.
Were there any events/situations that made your immigration journey unique or difficult?
I can say yes. The fact that I had to wait for your dad even though we were not together anymore made it very difficult. The only choice I had was to wait.
Did you ever fear deportation?
No. I honestly didn't even know about deportation. But if things were then the way they are now, I would be terrified.
What restrictions, if any, do you think should be placed on immigration?
I believe that they should streamline the process, especially when it comes to families being reunited. I feel like it took too long for everything to be completed to come here. The person applying should have an easier time bringing their spouse and children together.
What do you love about America?
What I love about America! There are some pros and cons. But what I love the most was that I was able to pursue my education in the field that I love. I am doing well today. It was not always easy, but I pushed. And now I can say I’m reaping the fruits.
In Cameroon, even if you have a good education, if someone who is in the government doesn’t like you, you won’t have a job, even if you are qualified.
In America, you can become anything you want.
You are currently talking to someone in support of ICE’s current actions. What do you want to say to them?
First of all, it is not humane what they are doing. You can not just go around stereotyping, assuming and whatever based on skin color or accent. And they just pick anybody, especially Black and Hispanic people. America is a melting pot. You find everyone in America. There is not a specific race that is the American race. There is so much implicit bias.
The second thing, thinking about my religion, some of the force they are using is not godly and unnecessary. Using force on people who are unarmed is just wrong. They are just picking people, and it’s not good. It’s causing people to live in fear.
Do I need to be walking around with my passport or green card? I don’t know.
Sophia Lekeufack is a freshman from Boyds, Md. currently living in Lyons Hall. When she's not studying political science or crying doing her Program of Liberal Studies readings, you can find her crocheting, walking or playing BS. You can contact Sophia at slekeufa@nd.edu
