An immigrant's story

As I read many stories about immigration in the newspaper, I would like to contribute my "Too old but I still remember" story.

I emigrated to Canada in 1956 from West Germany, where I was in a refugee camp after I defected from Czechoslovakia in 1948 to avoid arrest for my opposition against communism. After many years in refugee camps, I had the chance to emigrate to Canada.

First, I had to have a sponsor and a statement from police that I didn't have a criminal record. I had to show medical records that I was healthy before could go to the Canadian embassy in the city of Stuttgart. My 12-day boat trip to Canada was covered by a Catholic organization.

After four years, friends in Chicago persuaded me to come to America, so in 1961, I went to the American embassy in Winnipeg and asked for permission to move to America. To show that I would not be supported by the state for the time before I could find job, I had to have $2,000 secured by the bank before I could get permission to travel to America.

This was not too easy for a beginner in a new country, but with honest work, I made it. And in 1967, I became an American.

I am so proud to have the freedom I lost in my old country. And of the statement from Sen. Dirksen, "It is my great pleasure to congratulate you on you citizenship."

Otto Valnoha

Fox Lake