Capitol salute for Yuma success story

Entering the United States through the bracero farmworker program as a child, Marci Rios realized his dream when he became a naturalized citizen at 18.

"It opened doors for me and changed my life," he said.

At home in the Foothills mowing his lawn earlier this month, Rios was surprised to see a FedEx truck deliver a box. Inside the package was a certificate hailing him as a great American and notification that a U.S. flag was flown in his honor over the Capitol in Washington, D.C., by request of U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Included with the package was the flag that was flown in Rios' name.

"I'm still shocked. Why me? What have done for this? There are no words ... I really appreciate America has received me as an immigrant and gave me my education. How can I pay her back?"

Rios, a graduate of Kofa High School, is now an agent for New York Life Insurance in the Crescent Center building on 24th Street. Recognized by The Sun as the Yuma County Citizen of the Year in 2005, Rios devotes much of his spare time helping other immigrants to become naturalized citizens.

In addition, he often visits senior centers to assist retirees with Social Security and Medicare issues, as well as lecturing students about the importance of higher education. Recently returning to school himself, he takes law courses through Arizona Western College in hopes of becoming an immigration attorney.

"America has been so good to me, that is why it is my devotion to continue to helping others to fulfill their dreams," Rios said.

Citing his mother as his idol, who taught him to treat everyone with respect, Rios said he tries to be a role model to his son, Chris, and he feels blessed to have the support of his wife, Carolina.

Carolina, who'd just returned from shopping after the flag arrived, said for her what was important was that the certificate was signed by McCain.

"For me, a very significant symbol," Carolina said. "When we unfolded the flag we were amazed, I can't imagine it was so big. We were jumping like a little kid, my son and me. Next day I got a frame for the certificate."

The previous Saturday, April 5, was the Rios' wedding anniversary. The coincidence of the certificate and flag arriving soon after made it the best one they ever had, they said.

Over the past 26 years, Rios has helped more than 200 people become naturalized citizens. His zeal to help those seeking citizenship is such that he keeps immigration forms in his office and invites applicants there to help shepherd them through the process.

"When I'm not in here, I'm out there making a difference in someone's life - either a student or elderly person. When someone becomes a citizen, the only thing I ask is they come back and show me their certificate."

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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.