Living the headlines

I sympathize with the Muslim family that was kicked out of a AirTran flight in Washington after some passengers reported a suspicious conversation among family members. I applaud that family after hearing interviews with them, that they understood why the suspicion would be there if they had mentioned the words "bomb" or "explosive" and they praised the FBI for their professional treatment.

These are the times we live in.

My sister and I submitted our applications for citizenship at the same time almost two years ago. She received appointments for her fingerprinting, interview and oath-taking within the year. She's an American citizen now. I, meanwhile, am waiting.

Last week, I received a letter from the INS saying they have to retake my fingerprints since it had expired, having been taken 15 months ago. When I came in to the El Monte office to get that done, the consul told me the reason my application was taking so long was because of my name. Not my last name, mind you. But my first: Anissa, which is Arabic for "friendly girl."

The FBI had to clear me first and that was what was taking awhile.

I don't mind this one bit. Please be safe and thorough.

These are the times we live in.