One unique way to become an American citizen is to marry a U.S. citizen. But you have to meet certain requirements and stay in residency for the right amount of time. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles this process. The length of time it takes depends on the type of residency status you get.

You must be married to a U.S. citizen and show proof of being a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least five years in order to become a citizen through marriage.

Citizens whose permanent residency status is conditional

If you are married to a U.S. citizen and your permanent residency is conditional, you and your spouse must apply to the USCIS to have the conditions taken away. This application needs to be turned in within 90 days of the date that it will have been two years since your spouse entered the United States with an immigrant visa.

• Ensure your marriage to a U.S. national is legally recognized.
• Maintain your status as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).
• Understand the timeline and requirements for conditional residency.
• File necessary forms and applications within designated time frames.

Embracing the journey to becoming a new U.S. resident through marriage is a significant step that requires patience and diligence. By staying informed and organized, you can navigate this path toward achieving your American dream.

Eniola Shokunbi, a middle-schooler with big dreams in Middletown, Connecticut has already left her mark on the community with a groundbreaking invention aimed at improving health and safety in classrooms.

Shokunbi, who is of Nigerian descent, has her sights set on one day becoming president of the United States. She led a team of classmates to create a low-cost air filtration system capable of removing airborne viruses, including COVID-19, from classrooms.

“She’s phenomenal,” said State Senator Matt Lesser . “Eniola commands every room she’s in—she’s a true rock star.” Shokunbi’s design, created at the Commodore MacDonough STEM Academy, uses a box fan, four furnace filters, duct tape, and cardboard to construct an effective air purifier. The project, a collaboration with the University of Connecticut and environmental scientists, cost only $60 per unit. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested the device in North Carolina, where it was confirmed to remove over 99% of viruses from the air.

“The air goes through all the sides, and it comes out of the top, fully filtered,” Shokunbi explained. “It’s simple, but it works.”

Shokunbi’s leadership and ingenuity were showcased at a meeting of the State Bond Commission , which approved $11.5 million in funding to produce and install the air filter system in schools across Connecticut. The funding, allocated to UConn’s Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, aims to bring enhanced safety measures to classrooms statewide.

“People don’t always realize that science is sometimes the only thing standing between them and illness,” Shokunbi said. “If we’re not investing in that, we’re not investing in kids’ futures.”

The air filters Shokunbi helped design have proven particularly relevant in the wake of COVID-19, highlighting the need for improved air quality in learning environments. Amid rising concerns over air-borne diseases, the filters offer a cost-effective solution for schools facing budget constraints. Each unit, assembled by students at Shokunbi’s school, has been an example of how simple engineering can yield powerful results.

As part of UConn’s initiative, Shokunbi’s design could see widespread use, marking a new chapter in student-led innovation and public health safety. School administrators and state officials have praised the young inventor, whose goal is to extend this safety measure nationwide.

“My goal is to see these filters in every classroom across America,” Shokunbi said. “I want kids to go to school knowing they’re safe, healthy, and ready to learn.”

The State Bond Commission’s investment, which UConn will manage as part of its Supplemental Air Filtration for Education Program, not only honors Shokunbi’s contribution but also addresses a critical public health need. With rising concerns over the lingering impacts of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses, the new filtration system offers a tangible safeguard.

For Shokunbi, the journey is just beginning. Passionate about science and innovation, she hopes to use her talent to create broader solutions that improve lives. “I really love explaining the project to people and seeing their faces light up,” Shokunbi said. “Seeing them realize that something so simple can change so many lives—it makes me believe even more in what science can do.”

In a field where young voices are often underrepresented, Shokunbi’s determination is already inspiring others, including her classmates and local officials. As she continues to grow her knowledge and impact, her story stands as a testament to the power of young minds in shaping the future .

Shokunbi’s vision—combining scientific innovation with a deep commitment to public welfare—highlights the potential for youth-led change in tackling complex issues. The Connecticut school system’s embrace of her filter design suggests that with proper support, local ingenuity can indeed reach a national audience.

As one of the youngest leaders spearheading health innovation , Shokunbi sees her work as part of a larger journey toward positive change. “This is just the start,” she said with a smile. “There’s so much more we can do.”

The 21st Annual Igbofest Houston returns on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Discovery Green, welcoming the community to a celebration of Igbo culture, tradition, and heritage. This year’s festival will run from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm and promises a vibrant display of traditional Igbo music, dance, art, and culinary delights, set against the iconic Houston skyline.

With nearly two decades of fostering cultural unity and understanding, Igbofest Houston remains a beloved community gathering that brings the spirit of Nigeria’s Igbo people to life in the heart of Texas. This year’s festival is set to feature performances from both local and international acts, including traditional dancers, masquerades, live Afrobeat artists, and captivating cultural presentations.

Highlights of the event include:

• Masquerade Dance Performance: Traditional Igbo masquerades (known as Mmanwu) will grace the festival with their unique dance and colorful costumes, symbolizing ancestral spirits.
• West African Cuisine: Attendees can sample an array of authentic Nigerian dishes, from suya and plantain to the renowned jollof rice.
• Market Square: The vendor area will showcase traditional crafts, clothing, and artwork from artisans and vendors, providing guests with a taste of Nigerian fashion and artistry.
• Children’s Village: A family-friendly area with activities for children, including face painting, games, and Igbo language lessons, ensuring everyone can engage with the culture.

The festival is free and open to the public, inviting Houstonians of all backgrounds to join in this cultural experience. Organized by Ndi Ichie Cultural Club, Igbofest Houston serves as a bridge between communities, offering a platform for cultural education, awareness, and mutual respect.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 21st annual celebration of Igbofest Houston,” said Dr. Chris Ulasi, Cultural Director of Ndi Ichie Cultural Club. “This year’s event reflects our commitment to preserving Igbo heritage and fostering connections within the diverse landscape of Houston.”

Igbofest Houston is an annual festival dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria. For over 20 years, it has celebrated the diverse expressions of Igbo traditions, contributing to Houston’s vibrant multicultural community. For more information, visit www.igbofesthouston.org or follow us on social media @igbofesthouston