Eldy Montilla: “I am motivated to have a voice.”

My name is Eldy Montilla, I’m originally from Venezuela. My mother brought me to the United States when I was six years old and, back then, I didn’t want to come. Now I’m 33 years old and I realize the United States has given me a lot of opportunities that I probably wouldn’t have had in my country. I was able to pursue my education. I finished high school and went to two years of college. I earned my associates degree and now I have a job as a salesman for a distribution company.

I have three kids and they were born here— they’re all citizens. I always tell them that they have more rights than I do because I haven’t become a citizen yet. My oldest son understands this; he’s 13-years-old and he’s very happy that I am applying for citizenship.

I want to become a citizen because I want to have the right to vote. After what happened in the last election I am motivated to have a voice. I can’t wait for the next election!