Editor,

I became a US citizen in August of 2001. Walked down the stairs, across the street to the post office, and registered as a Republican.  Soon after, I worked for various Republican politicians nationwide.   I’m a very active Republican and I’m very proud of my U.S. citizenship.  I’ve been an extremely active member of society as young as the 7th grade, whether it was by volunteering at my elementary school’s fundraiser when I was in junior high, promoting civic activism/leadership in high school, and even working toward responsible resolutions when dealing with Middle Eastern issues in college.  None of these would have been possible if it wasn’t for legal immigration!

Two of my uncles immigrated to the U.S. legally back in the 60’s.  They went through the appropriate channels and later became U.S. citizens.  My father had also immigrated here with a Green Card back in 1969, but decided that the "hippie" lifestyle he saw in LA at the time was not the suitable for his children.

In 1986 one of my uncles visited us in Iran.  He experienced an air raid: when the sirens go off, we have to turn off all the lights, run down to the basement, then duck and cover because Saddam’s planes were approaching.  He also heard Saddam’s planes fly past our neighborhood and bombs dropping in the distance.  After that he decided that his sister and her children weren’t going to live in fear any longer.

My parents and uncles went through the appropriate channels and we were scheduled for an interview (or some more paperwork) with the U.S. Embassy in Turkey on a Friday in December of 1986.  On Tuesday or Wednesday night before our trip, the sirens went off, but this time the planes didn’t just fly past our neighborhood.  They bombed our neighborhood, 4 times. The 2nd bomb was about 8 or 10 houses to our right and the 3rd bomb was 2 houses to our left.  I was only 5 at the  time.  I remember EVERYTHING.  The sounds, smell, fire, ashes, shattered glass, looters, search & rescue dogs, and the dead bodies of my friends being pulled out of the rubble.  Again, I was only 5!

That Friday we went to Turkey, went through all the paperwork and on June 24, 1987 we arrived in New York and waited for our connecting flight to LAX. Everyday I am grateful that my uncles were able to get their visas back in the 60’s and that no one stood in our way when we were applying for our Green Cards.  We were welcomed to the U.S. and treated like every other person living here.

I’m very proud to be a Republican because I believe we’re the Party that welcomes all who come here legally and encourage them to become an active/productive member of society.  In Republican circles, I’m first a Republican, then I’m associated with my County, work/organizational affiliations, etc, etc (there are some people in GOP circles that still don’t know and don’t care that I was born in Iran).  But around Democrats, I’m first and foremost an immigrant from Iran and they try to make my story sound like I was some type of a victim. I’m not, thanks to LEGAL immigration I’m an American like everyone else here.

When I found out about the Party hiring Mr. Matthews, I was very proud.  I have recently met him and I realize why he received the job.  He’s very capable and intelligent.  I’m grateful for being given the opportunity to live a better life and I welcome EVERYONE who comes here LEGALLY.  He’ll be paying taxes like you and me.  I’m sure he’ll be an active/productive member of society. It’s unfortunate that some people have taken this hiring out of proportion.  By hiring him, the Party is not saying that an American couldn’t do the job; they’re saying that out of the pool of applicants he was the most qualified or fit for the job as "political director of technology."

All of my siblings living in the U.S. are very productive members of society who have obtained their graduate degrees and have amazing & loving children who aren’t jaded by the cruel world that we faced as children.  This weekend as my family celebrates two birthdays, including our youngest addition’s 1st birthday, we will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the day we arrived in America.  We are a mixed family, so I’ll be proud and boasting that the California Republican Party has welcomed a legal immigrant to their staff. I’ve already boasted this to a couple of the Democrats in my extended family and they were very impressed that the CRP does not use prejudicial hiring practices.

I’m embarrassed and offended by some of the judgmental comments on various blogs.  I just think that if someone had stood in the way of my uncles when they were getting us here, I wouldn’t be here.  I know exactly what my life would be like if I was in Iran and I thank God every day that my parents didn’t want that for my future.  These people that are spewing hate don’t know what it’s like to want to live in America and finally be given an opportunity to do so.  I’m sure Mr. Matthews is very grateful and plans on being an outstanding addition to the team, with his eyes on the prize: winning Republican seats in 2008!  It’s unfortunate that some people have forgotten why their ancestors came to the U.S. and are taking their citizenship for granted.  Whether you or your parents immigrated here or an ancestor, we should welcome and give an opportunity to all those who want to come here legally, not just as Republicans, but as Americans!