Earlier this afternoon, I received the following email:
Houston – Cittadinanza
To: Ed Perrone
Subject: Italian Citizenship confirmation.
Date: Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:49:59 -0500
Dear Sir,
This is to inform you that your application for the Italian Citizenship has been accepted and processed.
Your documents have been sent to the Comune di Giusvalla (SV) for their official registration.
Please, be advised that any change in your status or address must be properly notified to this Consulate General.
Should you be interested, it is now possible to apply for your italian passport in scheduling an online appointment with the Passport Office through our website www.conshouston.esteri.it
Regards,
Valentina Venditti
Administrative Officer
Consulate General of Italy
1300 Post Oak Blvd – Suite 660
HOUSTON, TX 77056
My Italian citizenship is officially recognized! I am now entitled to all the rights and privileges of an Italian citizen.
Frankly, I am quite amazed that this has gone through so quickly. I only first discovered that I was even eligible for citizenship last November 30th. Now, less than 10 months later — and only two weeks after my appointment! — it is official. People in other jurisdictions often require years to go through this process. I am thankful to the Consulate employees in Houston for being so businesslike and efficient.
I am thankful to a lot of people, actually, and to the Universe itself. Although this is technically my birthright, it is also a great privilege that is not bestowed on everyone. I am a very fortunate guy, the gods have smiled upon me. I may or may not take advantage of all the opportunities this citizenship affords me, but I am grateful to have them.
I am a big believer in fate and destiny. Some things are simply “meant to be” (and some are not). The fact that my path toward citizenship went so quickly and so smoothly — even around obstacles that could have halted it in its tracks — tells me that it is “meant to be.” I don’t know why (yet!). But when you see a door in front of you and you give that door the tiniest of pushes, and then the door simply flings wide open and essentially sucks you right through it — then, yes, I think you were meant to go through that door.
What’s on the other side? Chi sa? (Who knows?)
Finding out will be a new adventure.