By: Natalie Greene
Mary “Eagle Eyez” Ellis steps onto the stage, her AfroBeats sound pulsing through a Houston nightclub. It’s a dream she never thought she’d live when she was working long shifts in the healthcare industry more than a decade ago. But Ellis says none of it would have been possible without one life-changing decision she’s glad she made: becoming a U.S. citizen.
“I am a proud Black woman living my dream,” Ellis said. Born in Nigeria and raised in Belgium, she moved to Houston for new opportunities and spent more than a decade in healthcare before taking a leap of faith to pursue music.
“I became a citizen many years ago, and with that came the freedom to explore,” she said. “There’s so much opportunity for everyone, but you have to go through the process and become a citizen. There’s so much help available. You just have to know where to find it.”
Why Women Can’t Wait Any Longer
For immigrant women, the fight for stability comes with higher stakes—navigating motherhood, careers, and a system that doesn’t always feel built for you.
But here’s the truth: if you’re a legal permanent resident, you have the right to become a U.S. citizen—and now is the time.
Citizenship means:
✔ Voting on issues that affect your body, your family, your future
✔ Protection from deportation
✔ The ability to sponsor relatives
✔ Freedom to buy property, land better jobs, and travel with confidence
Yet, in Harris County alone, more than 300,000 residents—many of them women—are eligible for naturalization but haven’t applied.
Think You Can’t Apply? Let’s Bust These Myths
MYTH: “They’ll deport me anyway.”
FACT: If you have a green card and no major issues, you can apply and secure protection.
MYTH: “It’s too expensive.”
FACT: You might qualify for a fee waiver or reduction—don’t let $725 stop you.
MYTH: “The test is too hard.”
FACT: Free classes exist everywhere. You don’t need perfect English or a college degree.
Where to Get FREE Help in Houston
- Become A Citizen Today: Valuable site with comprehensive resources and partners list | https://www.becomeacitizentoday.com/
- USA Hello: U.S. Citizenship guide | https://usahello.org/citizenship/prepare/
- OCA–Greater Houston: Citizenship clinics and other resources | ocahouston.org
- BakerRipley Citizenship Forums: Screenings & prep | ???? 713-667-9400
- Catholic Charities Cabrini Center: Full legal support | catholiccharities.org
- Justice for All Immigrants: Affordable legal aid | justiceforallimmigrants.org
- Naturalize Now, Houston!: Countywide campaign | naturalizenowhouston.org
Ready to Make Your Move? Here’s How
✅ Get help: Call one of the organizations above for a free consult
✅ Gather docs: Green card, passport, travel history, marriage/family info, work records
✅ Apply with confidence: Ask about fee waivers, prep classes, and next steps
Your Future Is Waiting
You’re working double shifts, raising kids, building a life—and still showing up every day. You deserve more than survival. You deserve security.
As Ellis puts it: “Just put one foot in front of the other and get moving to secure your future.”
The time is now. Let’s go get it, sis.
Follow Eagles Eyes online and on social media:
Facebook: @Mary Ellis-EAGLEEYEZ
Instagram: @Eagleeyez1boss
Youtube: Mary ELLIS-EAGLEEYEZ
