We are very proud to be able to work with some phenomenal individuals whose life stories are inspiring; this was one of those stories that brought new meaning and perspective to the reason we do the work we do.

In 2012, Kripa received a call from a gentleman who was interested in learning more about the process of becoming a US Citizen. At the time of the initial call, the gentlemen stated that he had been a Lawful Permanent Resident for close to 10 years, that he had a spouse and children who were US Citizens, and that he was interested in acquiring Citizenship himself. He offered no more than this.

Kripa met with him and quickly learned that not only had this very humble man served in the US army in a theatre of war, he had been awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during service! She requested that she be allowed to take the case on Pro-Bono and represented him throughout the process of his application for Citizenship.

On the date of his Naturalization interview, the client appeared in Uniform; albeit reluctantly as he said that he had not worn it for a while as he had separated from the service on disability status subsequent to the injuries, and was not sure he would fit into his old uniform.   He passed the exam and was scheduled to take the Oath of Citizenship later that afternoon. Kripa went back to the Immigration Office in Tukwila to watch a man who had been ready to die for a country he was not yet a Citizen of, take the oath of Citizenship. It was a very humbling moment and one that we are still grateful we were able to be a part of.