Indian Woman Finally Gets US Citizenship At The Age Of 99 And People Have Questions

It seems the American dream remains just that for most hopefuls... a dream. And this story that recently went viral has not only warmed a few hearts, it has also left people with questions. That aside, it also throws the spotlight back on the agonizingly slow US visa and green card process.

Who is the woman whose US citizenship story went viral?

They say age is just a number. That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a #NewUSCitizen in our Orlando office. Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance. She's pictured with her daughter and our officer who swore her in. Congrats Daibai! pic.twitter.com/U0WU31Vufx

¡ª USCIS (@USCIS) April 5, 2024

The Indian woman in question is 99-year-old Daibai who recently took the Oath of Allegiance, as shared by the official Twitter account of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to reports, she was born in 1925 and is living with her only daughter in Orlando, U.S.

"They say age is just a number. That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a #NewUSCitizen in our Orlando office. Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance. She's pictured with her daughter and our officer who swore her in. Congrats Daibai!" read the caption accompanying the post.

What are the challenges accompanying the US visa process in India?

Those in the fields of engineering, science, and technology encounter considerable delays | Credit: Unsplash

The biggest challenge facing those applying for a U.S. visa is an extended wait time, something that can last months. Professionals in the fields of engineering, science, and technology encounter considerable delays lasting anywhere between 100 to 500 days, and, as a result, growing anger and frustration.

According to the USCIS website, ¡°Green card holders who are age 65 or older and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years (not necessarily continuously) can take an easier version of the history and government (civics) exam that is required of naturalization applicants. This is commonly referred to as the ¡®65/20 exception.¡¯¡±

How did the internet react?

Daibai was born in 1925 and is living with her only daughter in Orlando, U.S. | Credit: X/USCIS

"lol. Soon you will give green card pothumously," wrote one X user. "Rumor has it that Daibai was in the Indian green card backlog, renewing her H-B every three years and now can finally retire," chimed in another. "Most Indians in emplyoment based green card backlog would look like this by the time they get their green cards," read a third user's comment.

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