Good times were had by all at last month’s Potrero Hill Festival in San Francisco. It was the first time I had a booth anywhere. Normally, I give talks or volunteer at events. I shared the space with my friend Rocio Guzman of Aesthetica Spa (she’s a fantastic aesthetician, by the way). I think we confused one woman, who thought maybe she could get made over while becoming a citizen! People were so great, either meeting me to inquire about my services, or offering sympathy for the U.S. refugees (women and children) who are being held at detention centers in the Southwest. Fortuitously, when I stepped into the Potrero Hill branch of the Public Library near the booth, I found a photo of a certificate of residence for a Chinese woman from 1892! Check it out. It made me a bit sentimental, as she could look like anyone today. I had also never seen a certificate of residence before. Now, the government issues permanent resident cards, also known as green cards. I’m looking forward to participating in more of these events!
By Grace Alano. Grace Alano is an immigration lawyer at Alano Immigration in San Francisco, CA. Find Grace Alano on Google+