Congratulations to Maria Idalia Dorantes Martinez (AC Mechanic 1) for becoming a United States citizen on July 3, 2019. Originally from Zocatecas, Mexico, Maria came to the U.S. in 2004 on a travel visa seeking a safer place to live for her and her three children.

Maria said, “I am so appreciative of all the opportunities there are in America and so happy to be able to live and work here.”

After receiving a work visa, Maria began the application process to become a U.S. citizen in 2014. This rigorous process involved providing proof of job security, undergoing an in-depth background check as well as passing a test that included questions on U.S. History, knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations, and an understanding of American financial systems.

Maria has worked at Georgia Tech's Facilities Management since 2017 and is the only female AC Mechanic in the Area 1 team. She hopes to save enough money so that her 19-year-old daughter can become a citizen as well. And most importantly, she’s happy that she can now return to Mexico to visit her parents and siblings that she hasn’t seen in more than 15 years.